Egypt Pushes Forward 2,000km High-Speed Rail Network to Move 15 Million Tonnes Annually

Egypt high-speed rail has been described as one of Egypt’s most important strategic projects. Hussein Eissa, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, gave that assessment. He linked the high-speed electric rail network to economic, development, social, and investment potential. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The comments came during a Saturday meeting with Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir. The meeting reviewed progress on the network, as Egyptian Gazette reported. Eissa said the project would act as a “vital artery”. It would link governorates with major projects across several sectors. Also, it would give the national economy a substantial push.

Egypt high-speed rail network and logistics links

El-Wazir also described the high-speed rail programme as one of Egypt’s most important projects now being implemented. He said it has a central role in comprehensive development. He said it also reinforces Egypt’s position as a regional and global logistics hub.

At the same time, El-Wazir linked the network to an integrated logistics corridor. The corridor would run between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. It would help improve international trade movement. It would also support Egypt’s connection with global economic corridors.

Its planned scope includes links from industrial areas to export ports. It also includes links from major agricultural development zones to consumption centres and ports. For example, those zones include the New Delta, West Minya, Mostakbal Misr, and Toshka. That would help increase productivity and extend the benefits of these national projects.

Freight, tourism and sustainable urban development

El-Wazir said the network would also serve tourism. It would connect coastal, cultural, and religious destinations. In addition, he pointed to its role in sustainable urban development. That role includes the creation of new growth corridors, population redistribution, and lower emissions compared with diesel-based transport.

The State Information Service notes that the completed network will cover 2,000 km. It will also include 60 stations. The network is expected to carry up to 2.5 million passengers per day. It is also expected to move 15 million tonnes of freight each year.

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