The US$4.5bn project, which aims to transform transportation in the Arab Republic of Egypt, will see Siemens Mobility, together with partners Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors, provide turnkey services to design, install, commission and maintain the system for 15 years.
“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.”
According to Siemens Mobility, a vast majority of the order intake is expected to be booked in 2022. The project represents the first contract to be signed from the MoU agreed between NAT and the three project partners in January 2021.
The contract covers the initial 660km of the 1,800km rail network planned. Additionally, it has been agreed that the partners will discuss and finalise agreements for the two other high-speed railway lines, including rail infrastructure and trains, and maintenance in the coming months.
The 660km line will connect the port cities of Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria on the Mediterranean. The Egyptian government has an ambitious plan to invest heavily in a reliable and sustainable 1,800km state-of-the-art high-speed rail network. Two additional lines will connect the Greater Cairo region from 6th October City along the Nile River with Aswan, and Luxor via Hurghada to Safaga.
The fully electrified system will reduce primary energy usage and overall air pollution by cutting carbon emissions by 70%, in comparison to the current emissions from car and bus transportation.
For this project, Siemens Mobility will deliver its Velaro high-speed trains, Desiro high-capacity regional train sets, and Vectron freight locomotives. A signalling system based on the latest computer-based interlocking technology and European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 will also be installed, as well as the power supply system that delivers efficient and continuous energy.