Egypt to upgrade key main lines
EGYPTIAN National Railways (ENR) has selected a consortium led by Alstom and including local contractors Rowad Modern Engineering and Concrete Plus for a project to upgrade the 6th October - Alexandria and Belbes - 10th of Ramadan main lines for improved rail freight operations.
The work is split into four contracts worth a combined €690m with Alstom’s share worth around €300m.
At €550m upgrades to the 6th October - Alexandria line account for the majority of the work, which is split into three implementation lots.
The project includes equipping the line with ETCS Level 1 along with modern telecommunications, reinforced power infrastructure, and updated operations control capabilities, enabling real-time, coordinated management across the network. Comprehensive civil and track rehabilitation work will also take place, helping to improve safety and reliability and increase capacity, resulting in a journey time reduction of around 1h 20min on the complete 226km line.
Upgrades to the 63.5km Belbes - 10th of Ramadan line are worth €140m. They include introducing the same technologies and infrastructure modernisation. The project will enhance connectivity to one of Egypt’s largest industrial hubs, strengthening freight efficiency and supporting industrial growth across the eastern logistics corridor.
As consortium leader, Alstom will be responsible for the design, supply, testing, and commissioning of the new digital railway systems across both corridors.
Rowad Modern Engineering and Concrete Plus will deliver the buildings, mechanical, engineering and plumbing works, and all civil and track upgrades for both projects.
“By transforming freight operations between the 6th October Dry Port and the Alexandria Seaport and enhancing rail connectivity to the 10th of Ramadan industrial zone, the projects will strengthen links between Egypt’s major logistics hubs and maritime gateways,” Alstom says.
“They will help ease supply chain bottlenecks, support sustainable freight transport, and boost national and regional trade flows.”