Egypt begins trial operations on 2,000-km high-speed railway network
Egypt announced on Sunday that trial operations have commenced on the country’s 2,000-kilometre (km) high-speed railway project.
The announcement was made at the International Smart Transport and Logistics Exhibition and Conference (TransMEA) in Cairo.
Through a live broadcast, the Prime Minister witnessed the movement of the regional 'Desiro' train along the route of the high-speed line in the October Gardens area, passing through the Water Bridge and Fayoum Bridge up to kilometer 143.
The Prime Minister also visited the 'Velaro' high-speed train, showcased in the outdoor exhibition area.
The network will be served by 41 high-speed Velaro trains, 94 Desiro regional trains and 41 Vectron locomotives supplied by Germany's Siemens Mobility, which is building the project in partnership with Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors.
The high-speed railway comprises three lines:
- Ain Sokhna - Marsa Matrouh via Cairo and Alexandria (660km), also called the Green Line and Suez Canal on Rails.
- October Gardens (6th of October) - Abu Simbel (1,100 km)
- Safaga - Hurghada - Qena (225 km)
Siemens Mobility said in a related press statement that the Desiro HC regional train successfully completed its first train run on newly constructed tracks near the 6th of October Depot, west of Cairo, adding that the regional train's commissioning is planned for the Green Line.
The statement noted that the Velaro high-speed train, specially adapted for Egypt’s desert conditions, seats 489 passengers and can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h.