Transport Minister inspects high-speed rail project ahead of trial operations

Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction work on Egypt's high-speed rail project on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The focus of the visit was the first line of the country's high-speed electric rail network, which spans 660 kilometers from Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Matrouh on the Mediterranean. This segment represents a key milestone as preparations progress toward trial operations on part of the line. During the inspection, al-Wazir examined the section between Ain Sokhna station and Central Capital station, emphasizing efforts to fulfill President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directive to complete mass-transit projects on schedule. Accompanied by the head of the National Authority for Tunnels, Tarek Gewily, and project consultants, the minister reviewed multiple aspects of the infrastructure under development. His itinerary included a 6-kilometer rail connection linking Ain Sokhna station to Ain Sokhna Port, intended to enhance freight transport efficiency and integrate the port with the high-speed rail system. Al-Wazir also visited Ain Sokhna and Central Capital stations, assessing final finishing touches, passenger flow dynamics from entrances to ticket halls and platforms, and strategies for optimizing the commercial and administrative use of station spaces. He directed attention to the development of service roads adjacent to the tracks, ahead of the installation of ballast, sleepers, and rails. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of completing access roads serving the stations from all traffic directions to ease passenger movement. A maintenance facility covering approximately 259,000 square meters near Central Capital station was also inspected. This site includes the main workshop for the first line, spanning 578 feddans (around 243 hectares). It is designed to support operations for all three lines, offering services such as train maintenance, both routine and major overhauls, and storage capacity for up to 50 trains and locomotives. The minister reviewed sections of the track entrusted to the Siemens-Orascom Construction-Arab Contractors consortium for the installation of ballast and rails, overhead catenary poles, and electromechanical systems. Trial operations without passengers are anticipated to commence on one section of the first line in the coming months, with additional non-passenger trials following according to the project’s schedule. Al-Wazir also assessed completed bridges and other critical structures, including Wadi Hagoul Bridge, the June 30 Bridge, the new Quarries Bridge, Al-Khor Bridge, and Autostrade Bridge. He evaluated the progress of bridges east of the Nile, the Nile bridge, and those west of the river, urging the completion of rail and road bridges and flood culverts east of the Nile. He commended the contributions of Egyptian workers and engineers, particularly highlighting Al-Khor Bridge over Wadi Degla, measuring 600 meters in length, 90 meters in height, and 14 meters in width, as well as bridges south of Helwan and east of the Nile. The high-speed rail network aims to connect diverse regions of Egypt, with the first line establishing a land link between the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts. Al-Wazir likened this achievement to a “new Suez Canal on rails.” Beyond its transportation function, the project supports industrial growth, tourism, urban expansion, and agricultural development. It is projected to attract both local and international investments, generate employment opportunities, and reduce travel and transport expenses. The high-speed rail will also link newly developed areas with established cities, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a regional center for transport, logistics, and trade. The ministry noted that the stations have been designed to interconnect with nearby airports, streamlining travel between air terminals and destinations throughout the country. Furthermore, the high-speed network will integrate seamlessly with other public transport systems. Construction continues simultaneously across various segments of the project, with the overall completion date contingent upon the final phase of activities. Civil works, bridges, and other components remain active sites of development as the nation moves closer to realizing its ambitious vision for modernized infrastructure.