Siemens signs contract for Egypt’s first high-speed rail
Egypt’s first ever high-speed line is one step closer with the signing of the first contract with Siemens. It covers the initial 660 kilometres out of the 1800 kilometre rail network planned. Siemens Mobility will provide high-speed and regional trains, locomotives, rail infrastructure.
The contract is the first to be signed after Siemens entered a Memorandum of Understanding for the high-speed line back in January. For the project, Siemens Mobility will deliver its Velaro high-speed trains, Desiro high-capacity regional train sets, and Vectron freight locomotives. According to Siemens, the connection will transport more than 30 million people per year and save up to 50 percent travel time.
‘Suez Canal on tracks’
The 660 kilometre line will connect the port cities of Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria on the Mediterranean, creating a Suez Canal type of link on the tracks. The line will connect both sea and dry ports which will improve the overall efficiency of moving freight.
Specifically, the total inland freight transported on rails should be increased by 15 per cent. The two additional lines will connect the Greater Cairo region from 6th October City along the Nile River with Aswan, and Luxor via Hurghada to Safaga.
15 year service
Together with partners Orascom Construction S.A.E. and The Arab Contractors, Siemens Mobility will provide its services to design, install, commission, and maintain the systems for 15 years. The total contract value is approximately 3.8 billion euros, of which Siemens Mobility’s share is around 2.5 billion.
Siemens will also deliver signaling system based on the latest computer-based interlocking technology. European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 will be installed, as well as the power supply system.
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