Egypt’s High-Speed Rail Era Begins: First Electric Train Trials Set for November
Egypt is poised to launch a new chapter in its transportation history, with the Ministry of Transport confirming the inaugural trial run of the nation’s first high-speed electric train line on November 9. This landmark project, a cornerstone of Egypt’s infrastructure modernization, will ultimately stitch together the Red Sea and the Mediterranean with a state-of-the-art network capable of speeds up to 250 kilometers per hour.
A Milestone Journey on the Horizon
The initial trial, conducted without passengers, will be a centerpiece of the sixth International Transport Conference. The first train will depart from the main depot at Hadayek October Station, traveling to the new October Station. This journey marks the activation of the first 660-kilometer segment of a line designed to connect Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean coast.
Progress on the ground is already significant. More than half of the track for this initial corridor is laid, with electromechanical and operational systems being installed along a 360-kilometer stretch.
German Engineering, Egyptian Ambition
The fleet powering this ambitious network is being manufactured by Siemens Mobility in Germany, in close collaboration with Egyptian contractors. Siemens has already begun shipping completed trains that have undergone rigorous testing on German tracks. These vehicles will undergo a final round of validation on Egyptian soil during the trial phase before commencing full public service.
The network will feature a versatile family of trains: the flagship Velaro high-speed train, designed for 250 km/h; the Desiro regional train, with speeds up to 160 km/h; and freight locomotives operating at 120 km/h. This multi-purpose approach aims to serve a wide range of needs, from daily commuters and long-distance travelers to industrial zones, linking major cities, ports, and new urban communities.
Linking Two Seas: A “Suez Canal on Rails”
The first high-speed line is a monumental undertaking. Stretching approximately 660 kilometers with 21 stations—13 for high-speed service and 8 for regional service—it will connect key locations including Ain Sokhna, the New Administrative Capital, 6th of October City, Alexandria, Alamein, and Marsa Matrouh. Officials have dubbed it a new “Suez Canal on rails,” creating a modern overland corridor that unites Egypt’s two strategic coastlines.
Plans are already being studied to extend the line another 59 kilometers from Ain Sokhna to Suez, catering to the growing populations in that region.
The Hub of a New Transport Network
This is not a standalone project but the spine of an integrated national transport system. The high-speed line is engineered to connect seamlessly with other major projects. It will link with the electric light rail (LRT) at the Central Capital Station, the future second high-speed line at Hadayek October, the West Nile monorail at 6th of October City, and the Cairo-Aswan railway at Giza Station. Future integration with the sixth metro line at Mohamed Naguib Station is also on the drawing board.
Economic Engine and Green Catalyst
The economic implications are profound. Once fully operational, the Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh line is projected to carry up to one million passengers and 8,500 tonnes of freight daily. The project is a collaborative effort, with civil works led by Egypt’s premier construction firms and systems integration, signaling, and train manufacturing spearheaded by Siemens Mobility. Station electromechanical works are being handled by a consortium that includes Orascom Construction, Arab Contractors, and El Sewedy Electric.
Beyond capacity, the network represents a transformative leap toward sustainable transport. As a central pillar of the government’s green strategy, this electric system is designed to significantly cut carbon emissions and reduce the nation’s reliance on road freight.
A Nation Connected, An Economy Transformed
The ripple effects of the high-speed network are expected to be felt across the Egyptian economy. By directly linking major industrial centers—such as Ain Sokhna, 6th of October, Borg El Arab, and Aswan—to export ports on both coasts, it will supercharge Egypt’s logistics capabilities and stimulate trade. The system will also open new avenues for agricultural regions like New Delta, Toshka, and West Minya, connecting them efficiently to domestic markets and export hubs.
Tourism stands to gain immensely. The network will offer travelers unprecedented ease, enabling quick journeys between the resorts of the Red Sea, the beaches of the Mediterranean, and Egypt’s famed historic and religious sites. This connectivity promises to support new, diversified tourism itineraries that showcase the country’s vast offerings.
The vision is a fully multimodal transport ecosystem. The rail network will be intricately linked with key airports, including those in the New Administrative Capital, at Sphinx, in Alexandria, and Marsa Matrouh, as well as with seaports and road networks.
When the planned three-line network is complete, it will connect 60 cities nationwide, offering a modern, efficient, and safe alternative to older, diesel-powered rail systems. The trial run on November 9 is more than just a test; it is the starting signal for a new era of high-speed connectivity and nationwide development for Egypt.
Source: Egypt Daily News