Cairo: Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel el Wazir witnessed the signing of a 15-year contract for the management and operation of Egypt's high-speed electric rail network 'Ain Sokhna - Matrouh'. The agreement was made between the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) and a consortium comprising Germany's Deutsche Bahn International Operations and El Sewedy Electric.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the contract was signed by Tarek Goweily, Chairman of the National Authority for Tunnels; Niko Warbanoff, CEO of Deutsche Bahn International Operations; and Ahmed El Sewedy, Chairman of El Sewedy Electric. Wazir noted that this signing is a significant step in the Ministry of Transport's plan to work with leading global companies in rail operations and management. Deutsche Bahn, known for managing Germany's rail network and international lines, is highlighted as a key partner.

Wazir stated that managing the network's three main lines under one operator will minimize coordination issues through a revenue-sharing management model. The agreement requires that at least 95% of the workforce be Egyptian, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technical skills.

The partnership also includes a training and qualification program for Egyptian engineers and technicians. This program aims to enable them to manage and operate the high-speed rail system independently in the future.