Siemens Mobility have announced they have signed a contract with the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), in witness of the Egyptian Prime Minister, which will see them construct a brand new rail nicknamed ‘Suez Canal on tracks’.
Partnering with Orascom Construction S.A.E. and The Arab Contractors, Siemens Mobility will be working on all stages of the project, starting with the design work, followed by installing, commissioning and maintain the route for 15 years after completion.
$3 billion in funding has been allocated to Siemens Mobility to complete their work, which compromises of 660km of electrified high-speed rail network, connecting Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria on the Mediterranean, forming a port to port service which will be used for both passenger and freight haulage.
For the project Siemens Mobility will use:
- Velaro trains – for high-speed trains
- Desirohigh trains – for regional train sets
- Vectron locomotives – for hauling freight trains
- European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 – along with other advanced systems will provide the signally and safe operation of trains.
Set to create 15,000 jobs and many more indirect jobs, the project has huge potential to positively benefit both the local and the wider Egyptian economy. Using electric to power the trains will ensure low emissions are produced, making the project ecologically sustainable.
H.E Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Egyptian Minister of Transport, said “This high-speed train will strengthen the infrastructure of the areas it passes through and help achieve urban sprawl, in addition to linking the New Administrative Capital and new cities to the railway network for transporting passengers and goods,”
“The project will also help promote tourism through a fast, modern, and safe means of transportation characterized by the highest levels of efficiency and safety to meet the needs and expectations of all Egyptians across the country which is considered a major leap in the field of rail transport. For its part, Siemens will provide its latest smart technology solutions, along with its continuous support to local skills development.”
“We are proud to support the Egyptian government’s ambition to transform its transport sector by building its first high-speed electrical rail network. This landmark project will create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve quality of life for millions of people, by creating a more efficient, safe and sustainable transport system,” said Roland Busch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens AG. “As a long-standing partner to Egypt, we are committed to providing the most advanced technology and to supporting local skills development.”
CEO of Siemens Mobility Michael Peter said “We are honored and proud to become Egypt’s partner in constructing a state-of-the art rail system that will transform the everyday travel for millions of Egyptian people. Our world class trains will provide an enhanced passenger experience, and combined with our digital leadership in rail infrastructure, we will deliver a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system,”
“In addition to benefiting passenger travel, the first fully electric mainline rail network in Egypt will create thousands of local jobs and open up huge possibilities for freight transport.”
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