Egypt moves closer to transforming its rail system as Siemens Mobility advances testing of 14 Vectron freight locomotives at its German Validation Centre. These locomotives will soon support freight movement across a major high-speed network. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The project covers a 2,000 km electrified corridor linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. It aims to speed up logistics and enhance connectivity nationwide. This initiative is part of Egypt’s ambitious high-speed rail program launched with Siemens Mobility and partners Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors.

Egypt Boosts Freight with New Vectron Trains
Source, photo: railwaypro.com

Egypt Rail Project Overview

In May 2022, the consortium signed a turnkey agreement with the Egyptian National Authority for Tunnels. Siemens will deliver 41 Velaro high-speed trains, 94 Desiro regional train sets, and 41 Vectron locomotives.

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These assets will operate on a 2,000 km network serving 60 cities, enabling 500 million journeys annually and cutting travel times by 50%.

The system includes three main lines. The first, called the “Suez Canal on rails,” spans 600 km, connecting Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea with Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria on the Mediterranean. This $4.5 billion phase began in 2021.

Egypt Expands Network to Drive Growth

Two additional lines, awarded in 2022, will add 1,225 km. One route will link Cairo to Abu Simbel, fostering growth along the Nile corridor. The second will connect Luxor with Hurghada and Safaga, easing freight transport from the Red Sea to inland hubs and improving access to heritage sites.

Siemens will also install European Train Control System Level 2 signaling and a reliable power infrastructure, ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous operations. By modernizing transport, Egypt strengthens trade, tourism, and sustainability, positioning itself as a rail leader in the region.

Source, photo: railwaypro.com

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