Egypt plans to boost its rail freight capacity by 46%

Egypt is looking to boost its rail freight capacity considerably by 2030. Demand for rail freight is expected to grow to 11 to 13 million tonnes annually by then. In 2024, that number was 8 million tonnes.

In its 2030 development plan, Egypt underlines the need for a secure transport system beyond the famous waterways: the Nile river and the Suez Canal. It aims to boost its rail freight capacity by 46%, according to Siemens Mobility.

More tracks, ports, dry ports

In order to achieve that, the country wants to add around 500 kilometres of tracks to its national railway network (for a total of 10,000 kilometres), as well as connect ports and dry ports to it.

Egypt’s 2030 plan includes the creation of 32 dry ports and logistics zones. For example, cross-border trade is expected to be streamlined through upgrades to the Mediterranean port of Salloum.

The overall objective is to increase annual seaport freight handling capacity to 292 million tonnes, that is, with the help of rail connections. Cairo hopes to achieve this through various projects, including the construction of new terminals at Alexandria, Safaga, Damietta, and Suez, alongside dredging operations and tugboat procurement.

Siemens Mobility says that it will also play a role in Egypt’s rail freight investments. The country will acquire 41 Siemens Vectron locomotives, each capable of towing up to 1,200 tonnes.