Egyptian National Railways is the national railway network of Egypt. Founded in 1854, it is the oldest railway system in Africa and the Middle East. [7] A separate article provides more detail about the history of the railways of Egypt which can be found here. [9] Other articles are under preparation in July 2026.
This article focuses on relatively recent news about the railways of Egypt. …
A. Cairo Monorail Project: The 56.5km East Nile line began operations in March 2026, serving 22 stations with driverless technology, reducing Cairo congestion. A second line, bringing the total network to over 100km, is under development.
B. High-Speed Network: Siemens Mobility is constructing a 2,000 km network, featuring Velaro and Desiro HC trains traveling up to 250 km/h, covering 60 cities.
C. Modernisation: of Egypt’s 10,000 kilometre rail network. ……
A. Cairo Monorail Network
Recent articles about various railways in Egypt include the news that Egypt has just opened a new monorail, 56 kilometres in length.
The featured image shows one of the twenty-two station s on the route. [1][2]
Solomon Ekanem reports that Egypt has officially launched the 56.5-kilometre East Nile monorail – Africa’s longest – marking a major milestone in the country’s push to modernise urban transport and expand green mobility infrastructure.
The East Nile monorail, connects Cairo’s Nasr City to the New Administrative Capital. It is a driverless monorail which calls at 22 stations. It is intended to ease congestion and improve urban connectivity. It is Africa’s longest single monorail line and part of the continent’s largest monorail network when combined with a second line. The eco-friendly, automated system reduces energy consumption by 30% compared to conventional electric rail.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated the driverless system on Friday 20th March 2026 and then travelled alongside families of fallen Egyptian soldiers on the monorail from the Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque station to the Financial District, passing through key residential zones.
Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir described the project as a “civilizational leap,” noting that it aligns with government efforts to deploy eco-friendly transport systems that reduce fuel consumption and road congestion. The rubber-tyred, fully automated system operates on elevated tracks, minimizing disruption to existing road networks.
“The East Nile monorail … is part of a broader network — the “Cairo Monorail” system — which includes a second line linking 6th of October City. When both lines are combined, the network stretches to about 96 km, making it Africa’s largest monorail system overall. In simple terms, the East Nile route holds the record for a single line, while the full Cairo network holds the continental record for total system size. Built by a consortium including Alstom, Orascom Construction, and Arab Contractors, the project features 40 trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h, with intervals as short as 90 seconds. The system integrates with Cairo’s Metro Line 3 and the Light Rail Transit (LRT), with future links planned to Metro Lines 4 and 6.” [1]
“Equipped with platform screen doors, LED displays, and accessibility features, the monorail is expected to play a central role in reshaping Cairo’s urban mobility and supporting the shift toward sustainable transport.” [1]
Ekanem’s report is echoed by a report in Egypt Today. [2]
Cairo Monorail was first conceptualized in the late 2010s to combat the rise of traffic in the Greater Cairo area, and to provide a rapid transportation option for suburban residents. The Monorail was also thought of as a rail link between Cairo and Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. “Funding for the project was secured and obtained through a mix of local and international investments. This included a substantial loan facilitation agreement between the National Authority for Tunnels and JP Morgan Europe Limited, as well as contributions from other financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The total funding amounted to approximately 4.5 billion Euros.” [4]
It was reported in August 2019, that French rolling stock manufacturer, Alstom, would lead a consortium which includes The Arab Contractors: Osman Ahmed Osman & Co and Orascom. The consortium would sign a 2.7 billion Euros contract to design, construct, operate, and maintain the two monorail lines. Upon completion of construction, the consortium will operate and maintain the network for 30 years. [4]
Hill International highlighted their involvement with the project in a post on LinkedIn four years ago. They were providing project management, design review, and implementation supervision services for the New Administrative Capital City and 6th of October City (East and West) Lines. [3]
B. High-Speed Network: This network is a planned 2,000 km network which Siemens Mobility is constructing. It will feature Velaro and Desiro HC trains traveling up to 250 km/h, covering 60 cities. The network will include three lines:
Line 1 (Green Line): Connects Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh via Cairo.
Line 2: Connects Cairo to Abu Simbel.
Line 3: Connects Qena with Hurghada and Safaga.
The project includes 15-year maintenance by Deutsche Bahn and involves upgrading 7 key rail stations via Thales, focusing on increasing freight capacity to 13 million tonnes annually.
Egypt has a bold vision to build one of the world’s largest high-speed rail networks. Siemens Mobility is committed to delivering fully integrated, sustainable transportation solutions tailored to Egypt’s unique environment. The High Speed rail project “will span over 2,000 kilometres. It will ultimately connect all the major cities and reach nearly 90% of the population. Once complete, Egypt will have the sixth-largest high-speed network in the world. It will significantly reducing travel times, cutting CO₂ emissions, and boosting sustainable local economic development.” [6]
Siemens Mobility’s 15-year maintenance commitment covers the entire fleet for Egypt’s new high-speed rail network ensuring long-term operational excellence. This network will cut travel times by up to 50%. It will offer millions of passengers safer, more reliable, and more comfortable journeys. [6]
Currently completed to over 65%, the first phase of Egypt’s Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh high-speed train is set to begin operations in 2027. The 670-kilometre line will include 21 stations! [6]
C. Modernization: In addition to new lines, Egypt is modernizing its existing 10,000 km network with new trainsets from Talgo, locomotives from Progress Rail, and new traffic control systems to improve efficiency.
The Railway Gazette International reported in September 2025 that Hitachi Rail has deployed a centralised traffic control system to manage 19 stations on the 200 km Cairo to Alexandria line. [5]
“The initial contract for the programme was signed in 2013, and has since been extended to encompass more than €100m of investment. The mechanical and electrical signalling has been replaced with a modern electronic system, including digital interlockings, new signals and motorised drives. A fixed and mobile telecommunications system has been installed, with drivers able to communicate with the operations manager in case of emergency or failure. Level crossings have been modernised, and technical buildings constructed.” [5]
“The modernisation project will enable Egyptian National Railways to increase the maximum speed of trains by 40 km/h to 160 km/h, reducing the journey time between the two cities to 2½ h. The route’s throughput is also set to grow by 40% to a maximum of 286 trains/day. A progressive increase in the number of freight trains is planned, allowing the line to carry 15 per day in 2030 and 50 per day by 2060.” [5]
In November 2025, TravelMole.com reported that Egypt had showcased a new high-speed train. [6]
“On 10th November 2025, German technology giant Siemens unveiled the Velaro high-speed train in Cairo, which had been specifically adapted to withstand the harsh climate conditions of Egypt. The official presentation occurred during TransMEA 2025, the region’s leading exhibition for transportation and logistics in the Middle East and Africa. The Siemens Mobility Velaro high-speed train is specially adapted for Egypt’s desert conditions. It can reach a speed of up to 250 km/h and offers seating for 489 passengers. The company will deliver 41 Velaro trains to the Egyptian rail network.” [6]
On the same day, “the Desiro HC regional train successfully completed its first train run on newly constructed tracks near the 6th of October Depot, West of Cairo. The Desiro High-Capacity regional train is a key element of Egypt’s new high-speed rail network, with 94 trains set to provide efficient and comfortable regional transport. Specially adapted for Egypt’s climate, each train offers up to 849 passenger spaces and advanced features such as air conditioning,” [6]
“With a top speed of 160 km/h, the Desiro HC fleet will play a vital role in connecting cities along the Green Line. This line consists of a 660 km network connecting Cairo to Ain Sokhna, Alexandria, and Marsa Matrouh. The Green Line is already referred to as the ‘Suez Canal on Rails’.” [6]
Freight – in June 2026, reports the Railway Gazette, Egyptian National Railways signed four freight corridor upgrade contracts.
An Alstom-led consortium has signed four contracts worth €690m with Egyptian National Railways for the modernisation of two strategic freight rail corridors. Together with Rowad Modern Engineering and Concrete Plus, Alstom will upgrade the 6th October City – Alexandria and Belbes – 10th Ramadan City lines. The upgrades aim to reduce transit times by up to 80 minutes and improve connections between Egypt’s logistics hubs and seaports. [8]
In addition to these ‘Heavy Rail’ commitments, Egypt is also seeking to modernise its tram networks and Cairo’s Metro.
Alexandria’s Trams:–
Egypt’s major tram modernization focuses on the historic Al Raml tramway in Alexandria, which suspended operations on 1st April 2026. Managed by the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), the €236 million overhaul converts the 14.1 km heritage line into a fast, digitally controlled light rail system slated to finish by late 2028. [10]
Hitachi Rail has secured a contract to deliver the rail systems and digital technologies that will modernise and upgrade the Alexandria Raml Tram – the first modern tramway project of its kind in Egypt. The contract was awarded by the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture and will significantly improve speed, capacity and reliability on one of the world’s oldest continuously operating tram systems. [10]
The Alexandria El Raml Tram is the oldest tramline in the Middle East and Africa, dating back to 1863. Despite its age and limited modernisation since the 1960s, it remains one of the few tramways globally to operate double-deck vehicles in regular service. The new contract marks a major step in the line’s transformation. [10]
Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will supply advanced signalling and communications systems, a modern Operational Control Centre, SCADA, CCTV and access control, passenger information systems, and on-board equipment. Together, these systems will help deliver a faster, safer and more efficient public transport service aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable mobility. [10]
The modernisation programme includes the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of track. Once completed, the new system will:
- reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes
- double operational speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h
- cut headways from 9 minutes to 3 minutes
- increase capacity from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction
This capacity boost will ease congestion, support modal shift and reduce CO₂ emissions while improving daily mobility across Alexandria. [10]
The El Raml Tram upgrade represents a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail’s growing presence in Egypt’s rail and metro sector. The company is already involved in key national programmes, including the Greater Cairo metro network, the LRT and monorail systems, and AFC modernisation initiatives. [10]
Hitachi Rail continues to expand its local footprint through engineering, financial, legal and operational teams established in Egypt. The company has increased localisation of IVVQ activities for CBTC systems and developed automated fare collection (AFC) projects that promote high-tech employment and diversity. These align with Egypt’s industrial and economic development priorities.[10]
Digital passenger information and multimodal payment systems are becoming central to Hitachi Rail’s offering in the region. For example, the upcoming Abu Qir Metro in Alexandria will integrate TRANSCITY™ AFC, enabling payments via QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards and NFC mobile devices. [10]
“The contract will see us modernize and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. The project underlines the capabilities of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernization of tramway systems,” Carlo Piacenza, SRS MEA Regional Director, Hitachi Rail, said. [10]
Urban Transport Magazine reported in April 2026 that, “with the closure of the long-established Ramleh tramway, Alexandria is currently undergoing one of the most radical system transformations in urban rail transport in North Africa. The project exemplifies a global trend: replacing historically evolved tramway systems with higher-capacity light rail infrastructure — and the associated trade-offs.” [11]
Alexandria’s tramway network is among the oldest in the world: opened as early as 1863 and electrified from 1902, the Ramleh line in particular developed into one of the city’s most important east–west corridors. With around 80,000 passengers per day and a route length of approximately 32 km, it was a central component of the urban transport system. [11]
At the same time, the system suffered from decades of underinvestment. Low average speeds of around 11 km/h, ageing infrastructure and limited reliability significantly constrained its performance. Against the backdrop of increasing congestion and ongoing urbanisation, comprehensive modernisation gradually moved to the forefront of transport policy. [11]
Until its closure, operations on the Ramleh tramway were characterised by a remarkably heterogeneous and ageing fleet. The core of the services was provided by modernised vehicles from Kinki Sharyo, complemented by locally Tatra Yug units. In addition, a number of second-hand high-floor trams originally built by Düwag in the 1960s and acquired from Copenhagen remained in service. This mix of vehicles from different generations and technical standards reflected both the long operational history of the line and the prolonged lack of fleet renewal, resulting in increasing maintenance complexity and declining reliability in the final years of operation. [11]
The transition to the new system began in early 2026 with a phased shutdown. Following initial restrictions in February, operations were completely suspended on 1 April 2026. Since then, the existing infrastructure — including tracks, power supply and stops — has been undergoing comprehensive dismantling. The complete interruption of services represents a deliberate break with historical continuity, in contrast to many European modernisation projects, where upgrades are often carried out while operations continue. [11]
In place of the conventional tramway, a modern light rail system with significantly altered parameters is being developed. Approximately 13 km of the route will be fundamentally upgraded and partially realigned. [11]
Key elements include:
- Increase in average speed from 11 to around 21 km/h
- Reduced stop density (approximately 500 m spacing)
- Modern signalling and control systems
- Introduction of 30 high-capacity vehicles (Hyundai Rotem)
The project is thus clearly aimed at increasing capacity and efficiency, and conceptually aligns more closely with light rail or metro systems than with traditional tramways. [11]
Since early 2026, operations on the Ramleh tramway have been gradually wound down: following initial test closures in February, partial suspension began on 11th February, before services were fully discontinued on 1st April 2026. [11]
In the weeks leading up to this, the network saw something of a series of “farewell runs”, before the final trams ceased operation in early April. In parallel with the closure, comprehensive dismantling of the infrastructure began, including tracks, overhead lines and, in some cases, adjacent urban spaces. [11]
The transformation has met with considerable criticism in Alexandria and is the subject of intense public debate. While the government presents the project as a necessary step towards modernisation to increase capacity and speed, many residents view it as a profound intervention in the city’s historic urban fabric. [11]
A central point of criticism is the planned elevation of the route. More than half of the future line, which will be around 13 km long, is to run on viaducts. Critics fear that the existing tree-lined right-of-way will be replaced by “concrete stilts”, leading to a loss of the city’s characteristic urban landscape. [11]
Furthermore, it is argued that the shift towards a faster system, more strongly segregated from general traffic, may bring operational advantages but could come at the expense of urban integration. Urban planners warn that the new infrastructure is geared more towards throughput and speed, and less towards public realm quality and local accessibility. [11]
Transport impacts have also been viewed critically: even during the construction phase, the suspension of services has exacerbated traffic problems, as replacement services have only been able to compensate for demand to a limited extent. Some observers see this as an indication that, in the short term, the transformation could even lead to increased reliance on private motorised transport. [11]
Finally, the loss of cultural heritage plays a central role in the public debate. For many residents, the tramway is not merely a mode of transport, but an integral part of the city’s identity. Critics therefore speak of a tension between modernisation and “cultural dislocation”. [11]
Reopening is scheduled for the end of 2027. Whether the new system will meet expectations in terms of performance and attractiveness will depend largely on how successfully operational efficiency can be balanced with urban integration. [11]
Cairo’s Metro:–
As of 2024, Cairo’s Metro has 84 stations of which 5 are transfer stations, with a total length of 106.8 kilometres (66.4 mi). The system consists of three operational lines numbered 1 to 3. It is part of an integrated transport network.
As the biggest and most densely populated megacity in Africa and the Middle East, Greater Cairo had a strong case for a metro. In 1987 that population stood at 10 million residents, not counting the two million or so commuters who came into Cairo every day to work. The capacity of Cairo’s public transport infrastructure was around 20,000 passengers/hour, which increased to 60,000 after the construction of the metro. [13]
In the 2020s, “Cairo has more than 20 million people in its metropolitan area, and the chaos on the surface can be disorientating for anyone arriving for the first time: gridlock that stretches for kilometres, constant horns, intersections that follow no obvious logic. But beneath all that noise there is a system that organises the movement of millions of people every day. The Cairo Metro — officially the Cairo Metro or مترو القاهرة — is the backbone of public transport in this megalopolis, the first metro ever built in Africa, and the first in the entire Arab world.” [14]
What makes this system distinctive is not only its history but its composition. Line 1 was born from the conversion of existing suburban railway corridors, combining surface sections with a few kilometres of tunnel through the historic heart of the city. Line 2 was a first for the continent: it crosses the Nile through a tunnel, the first railway tunnel under that river anywhere in Africa, a genuinely complex engineering achievement. Line 3, the most modern, was under construction in phases for over a decade and represents the biggest technological step forward in the system, with better stations and newer trains. It was completed in 2024. [14]
For travellers arriving in Cairo, the Metro is an indispensable tool for connecting the historic centre with modern districts, Ramses train station and the main residential areas. At present, the Cairo Metro does not reach the Pyramids of Giza. [14]
The density of Greater Cairo makes any underground construction extraordinarily complicated. Several sections were built directly beneath narrow alleyways, centuries-old markets, multi-storey buildings and layers of pre-existing infrastructure. Expropriations in historic districts such as Khan El Khalili, or in densely populated residential neighbourhoods, required lengthy and costly negotiations. In some stretches engineers opted for cut-and-cover construction with minimal disruption; in the historic centre, tunnel-boring machines were the only viable approach. [14]
The system at present operates trains from different generations depending on the line.
Line 1 still runs sets from the original era — nine-car trains with capacity for over 2,000 passengers, revised and upgraded over the decades. Some were refurbished by Hyundai in the early 2010s. [19] Others are being refurbished by Mitsubishi at present. [14][17]
Line 2 has more modern stock acquired in the 1990s and early 2000s. [18] The National Authority for Tunnels has awarded CAF three contracts totalling more than €450m for the modernisation and maintenance of trainsets on Cairo Metro Line 2 and the maintenance of trainsets on Line 1. [14][20]
Line 3 works with the newest trains, some of them from contracts signed with Alstom in 2020/2021 for the supply of new Metropolis units. [14][21]
Line 4 connecting to Giza is under construction. The line is ultimaely intended to be 42 kilometres in length. [15] A first phase of 18-19 kilometres and between 15 and 17 stations planned, it will connect the El-Malek El-Saleh area with north-west Giza, bringing the Metro significantly closer to the Pyramids zone for the first time. The project includes lifts for passengers with disabilities and modern access management systems built into the original design. Opening is estimated at being in the first half of 2028. [14][16]
Phase 1 runs largely underground, serving 17 stations, from the boundary between Cairo and 6th of October City to Grand Egyptian Museum, Remaya Square, Haram Street, Giza Station, El-Malek El-Saleh and Fustat. Gewaily says that Line 4 will carry approximately 2 million passengers a day when completed. [16]
Mitsubishi is supplying 23 trains for the line, the first of was scheduled for delivery In May 2026, construction of depot facilities and the installation of electromechanical systems. Civil works are being undertaken by domestic firms Arab Contractors, Orascom, Concord, Petrojet, and Hassan Allam Construction. [16]
The government is currently considering three further phases for Line 4:
Phase 2: Fustat – New Cairo
Phase 3: Hadaeq El Ashgar – Hosary Square, and
Phase 4: New Cairo – the Capital Airport. [16]
The extended line will provide interchange with the planned metro Line 6, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) network and both the East of Nile and West of Nile monorail lines. [16]
Also planned is an extension to Line 3 to reach Cairo International Airport. It will add roughly 7 kilometres and 5 new stations from the Heliopolis area to the airport terminal. As of mid-2026 there is no confirmed opening date: the project has been announced on several occasions, but financing and timescales are not yet settled. [16]
Line 5 and Line 6 and the long-term network. The Greater Cairo master plan envisages a network of up to six metro lines plus complementary systems including the monorail, long-distance high-speed rail and extensions to the new satellite cities. Line 6 is planned to connect Shubra with Maadi, providing a new north-south axis that takes pressure off Line 1. All of these projects extend beyond 2030. [16]
References
- Solomon Ekanem; Africa’s longest monorail line begins operations as Egypt opens 56.5km Cairo route; in Business Insider Africa, 21st March 2026; via https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/africas-longest-monorail-line-begins-operations-as-egypt-opens-565km-cairo-route/n64xvkw, accessed on 22nd March 2026.
- https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/145804/East-Nile-monorail-begins-operations-linking-Cairo-to-New-Capital, accessed on 22nd March 2026.
- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6881253143993204736, accessed on 22nd March 2026.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Monorail, accessed on 22nd March 2026.
- https://www.railwaygazette.com/infrastructure/cairo-to-alexandria-railway-modernised-to-increase-speed-and-capacity/69588.article, accessed on 22nd March 2026.
- https://www.travelmole.com/news/egypt-showcases-its-new-high-speed-train, accessed on 22nd March 2026.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_National_Railways, accessed on 22nd March 2026.
- https://www.railwaygazette.com/category/egypt, accessed on 19th July 2026.
- https://rogerfarnworth.com/2026/04/01/egyptian-railway-history-a-short-version/
- https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/hitachi-rail-to-modernise-egypts-historic-alexandria-tram, accessed on 28th July 2026.
- https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/alexandria-system-transition-of-the-ramleh-tram-between-modernisation-and-the-loss-of-urban-identity, accessed on 28th July 2026.
- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Cairo_Rapid_Transit_map.png, accessed on 28th July 2026.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Metro, accessed on 28th July 2026.
- https://mapa-metro.com/en/egypt/cairo/cairo-metro-map.htm, accessed on 29th July 2026.
- https://www.herrenknecht.com/en/references/referencesdetail/cairo-metro-line-4, accessed on 29th July 2026.
- https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/metros/cairo-metro-line-4-opening-announced, accessed on 29th July 2026.
- https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/caf-to-refurbish-cairo-metro-trains, accessed on 29th July 2026.
- https://www.herrenknecht.com/en/references/referencesdetail/cairo-metro-line-2, accessed on 29th July 2026.
- https://rollingstockworld.com/lrv/hyundai-rotem-finalized-a-contract-for-the-supply-of-40-metro-trains-for-cairo, accessed on 29th July 2026.
- https://www.railwaygazette.com/urban/2025/09/25/cairo-metro-train-modernisation-and-maintenance-contracts-awarded, accessed on 29th July 2026.
- https://www.railway-technology.com/news/cairo-metro-egypt-phase-4b-extension-of-line-3, accessed on 29th July 2026.
Roger Farnworth 
