Cairo: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli affirmed the key role of a factory of the National Egyptian Railway Industries Company (NERIC) in localizing the vital railway industry, which is deemed one of the most important transport industries prioritized by the state.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the railway industry is integral to the state's comprehensive sustainable development goals as it links different locations by providing modern and sustainable transportation means that facilitate the movement of people and goods. Madbouli made these remarks during a tour of the East Port Said Industrial Zone, accompanied by a delegation to inspect the NERIC factory.

During the tour, NERIC Managing Director Ahmed el Mofty detailed the progress of the project, the manufacturing stages of the factory, and NERIC's strategy to localize railway manufacturing in Egypt. Mofty revealed that the first phase of the project spans a total area of 100,000 square meters, with a production capacity of 120 carriages annually.

Mofty also reported that nearly 80 percent of the project's construction work has been completed, with finalization expected by June 30, 2025. He added that all production equipment is slated for installation by July 2025. The pilot operation of the factory is set to commence in July 2025, with the first metro vehicle scheduled for manufacture by August 2025. The factory aims to release its first locally-manufactured train by July 2026.