• Egypt begins trials on first line of 2,000-km high-speed rail network
• Siemens-led project to connect ports, cities, and tourist hubs with 176 trains
• First line set to link Ain Sokhna to Alexandria via Cairo over 660 km

Egyptian authorities announced over the weekend that technical trials have begun on the first line of the country’s national high-speed rail project. The system is expected to become one of Africa’s largest and most advanced railway networks.

The planned 2,000-km network will link major economic hubs, port cities, and key tourist destinations across the country. It is being developed by a consortium led by Siemens Mobility, working in partnership with Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors. Once fully operational, the system will include 41 Velaro high-speed trains, 94 Desiro regional trains, and 41 Vectron locomotives.

Although the latest statement did not specify the exact route of the first line, technical details released two years ago indicate it will connect Ain Sokhna, a port city on the Red Sea, to Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean coast, passing through Cairo. The total length will be about 660 km.

A second line, measuring 1,100 km, will link Cairo to Abu Simbel, near the Sudanese border, to support the development of new economic zones in southern Egypt. A third line, roughly 225 km long, will connect Luxor and Hurghada, improving access to major tourist sites.

According to Siemens Mobility, the Velaro train is built to withstand desert conditions and can carry up to 489 passengers at speeds of 250 km/h. The Desiro HC regional train has already completed a test run on newly constructed tracks near the rail depot in 6th of October City, ahead of its entry into service on the “Green Line.”

Since 2014, Egypt has undertaken a major modernization of its existing rail network to reduce accidents and improve service quality. Officials see the high-speed project as a strategic step toward better national connectivity, facilitated trade, and stronger tourism appeal.

Henoc Dossa