Cairo: Egyptian Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir said Thursday, September 24, 2026, that Egypt is accelerating efforts to implement and develop its transportation system across all sectors in cooperation with major international and local companies.
According to State Information Service Egypt, El Wazir made the remarks during an inspection tour of several pavilions of international and Egyptian companies participating in InnoTrans, an international trade fair, in Berlin. The companies are involved in a range of transportation projects being implemented in cooperation with Egypt's Ministry of Transport.
He stressed that adherence to project timelines, rapid execution, high-quality implementation, technology transfer, and industry localization in Egypt are key principles guiding all projects undertaken by the Ministry of Transport.
These efforts, he said, aim to establish an advanced industrial base capable of meeting domestic market needs while creating opportunities for future expansion into export markets.
During the tour, the minister reviewed the latest solutions and advanced technologies showcased by participating companies and held discussions with their executives about the progress of ongoing projects and potential areas for future cooperation.
In press statements, El Wazir said the Ministry of Transport is continuously monitoring project implementation rates among contractors and consultants and working to remove any obstacles that could delay completion.
He added that these efforts aim to ensure the delivery of advanced, safe, and high-quality transportation services that meet citizens' needs and support tourism, trade, and economic development in Egypt.
During a meeting with Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, El Wazir discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and reviewed the latest developments in several projects.
The projects include the manufacture, delivery, and testing of 30 tram units, including spare parts and eight years of maintenance; as well as a project to localize, manufacture, and supply 320 metro cars for Cairo Metro Lines 2 and 3 in cooperation with the consortium of Hyundai Rotem and the National Egyptian Railway Industries Company (NERIC).
El Wazir stressed the need to adhere to the agreed timelines for all these projects.
The Minister also met with Valeriano Salciccia, Chairman of Italian company Salcef, to review the progress of the company's railway renewal works covering up to 300 kilometers of Egypt's railway network.
The discussions covered the company's expanded capabilities following the addition of 30 pieces of equipment, including a complete track-renewal train, as well as the establishment of a welding workshop at the Tanta rail yard.
El Wazir stressed the need for the company to accelerate implementation and comply with the project's set timetable.
El Wazir separately met with Jose Antonio, Chairman of Spanish global rail manufacturer Talgo, and praised the company's cooperation with Egypt.
Six luxury Talgo passenger trains have already been delivered and entered service, providing high-quality services to railway passengers.
The National Authority for Egyptian Railways has also signed a contract with Talgo for the manufacture and supply of seven new luxury sleeper trains.
During the meeting, El Wazir stressed the need to accelerate the delivery schedule in light of the authority's need to provide high-quality services for domestic and international tourism.
The minister underscored the importance of the sleeper-train deal, saying it would strengthen Egypt's existing sleeper-train fleet and represent a major upgrade in the quality of premium rail services for Egyptian and foreign passengers.
He added that the new trains would help increase the number of sleeper services operated across the railway network, boost domestic tourism and meet growing passenger demand, while supporting the development of a transportation sector capable of contributing to economic growth and increasing railway revenues.
El Wazir also met with Colway Chairman Miguel Antonio Colomer to follow up on ongoing cooperation on the development of sleeper coaches.
The National Authority for Egyptian Railways previously signed a contract with Colway to refurbish 65 sleeper and Spanish-style club cars at the company's facility in Kom Abu Radi workshops.
So far, 34 cars have been refurbished, including 30 sleeper cars and four club cars.
The minister stressed the importance of adhering to the timetable for completing the remaining cars. The meeting also reviewed the latest developments on a separate project to refurbish 100 Spanish passenger cars, which is expected to improve services for railway passengers.