Cairo – Mubasher: The Egyptian government has awarded the contract to operate the country's first high-speed rail network to Elsewedy Electric and the German Deutsche Bahn International Operation (DB IO) which has an initial term of 15 years.

The signing was attended by Egypt’s Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt’s Transport Minister, Kamel El-Wazir, and German Ambassador to Egypt, Ambassador Frank Hartmann, in conjunction with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in Sharm El-Sheikh, according to a recent press release.

The cutting-edge high-speed network will comprise three lines. Set to connect the metropolitan regions of Cairo, New Administrative Capital (NAC), and Alexandria, the first line of the transport network will cut travel time in half for 30 million people as early as 2025.

Two additional lines and 60 stations will eventually connect Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Red Sea port of Hurghada to Cairo and the rail network. Once the new network is completed, 90% of Egypt's population will have access to rail.

Ahmed El Sewedy, Elsewedy Electric President and CEO, said: “The new high-speed rail network aims to improve traffic safety and curb air pollution, aligning with the Egyptian government’s efforts to develop the sustainable transportation sector and expand environmentally-friendly mass transportation in major cities.”

Meanwhile, Niko Warbanoff, DB E.C.O. Group CEO, stated: “We are delighted that by operating the new system we will be making a significant contribution to the modal shift to rail and will be actively protecting the climate and supporting Egypt's economic development. In addition to its political relevance, especially for active climate protection and the promotion of economic development, the project offers potential for Strong Rail in Germany in terms of technology cooperation and securing skilled workers.”