Egypt to develop a high-speed train from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean

In a first, Egypt is all set to develop a high-speed train line connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. As per the experts, the train line will run for 1000 km, and will go through 15 stations. The project will be designed, installed and maintained by Siemens, the German manufacturing firm.

Joe Kaeser, President and CEO of Siemens AG said that they are proud to expand their partnership with Egypt. He further said, "By building a high-efficiency rail system for the country, we will support the Egyptian people with affordable, clean and reliable transportation." Orascom Construction Chief Executive Osama Bishai said, “We continue to build on our track record as a major player in the transportation sector. Following our joint success with Siemens on Egypt’s mega power projects, we are pleased to partner once again with our long-term repeat partner. This project will connect distant parts of Egypt in a sustainable manner while contributing to the infrastructure and economic development of the country.”
Egypt already has a train network since the 1850s. Apparently, it was the first country with a full-fledged train system in Africa and the Middle East. The present train network in the country covers around 5000 km and connects almost all prime cities and towns. However, the system is not efficient enough and not properly funded, which resulted in several accidents in recent years.

But now the country is getting a monthly shipment of the latest train carriages made in Russia to upgrade its railway tracks. The first 460 km section of the new high-speed train will link El Alamein on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast and Ain Sokhna, two developing towns.