Cairo: Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of the final preparations at stations along Egypt's inaugural high-speed electric rail network, which spans 660 kilometers from Ain Sokhna through Alamein to Matrouh. This inspection aligns with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's directives to ensure the timely completion of mass-transit projects.
According to State Information Service Egypt, El-Wazir's tour covered the segment from Hadayek October Station to Ahmed Omar Hashem Station, passing through key stations in Giza and Cairo. The inspection began at Hadayek October Station, a critical interchange where passengers can transfer between the first and second lines. This station features platforms for both lines, alongside five pedestrian bridges, facilitating seamless transit.
At the Giza interchange station, El-Wazir reviewed a pioneering design where high-speed trains run above existing diesel lines, with elevated platforms and services located below. This design enables direct interchange between train types, benefiting southern Giza and Badrashin residents.
The minister also assessed Cairo station's facilities, which will cater to Helwan, 15 May City, and southern Cairo, and examined Ahmed Orabi station, set to serve Katameya, New Cairo, and new urban developments south of Ain Sokhna Road. Additionally, he evaluated the main depot's readiness, which spans 578 feddans and is equipped to handle all three network lines.
El-Wazir inspected progress on civil and engineering works, including the Masar Bridge, the nearing-completion SUMED Bridge, and the comprehensive Nile Bridge complex. These infrastructure elements are crucial for the trial operations scheduled to commence soon, initially without passengers.
Highlighting the project's significance, El-Wazir described it as a "new Suez Canal on rails," set to enhance Egypt's industrial, tourism, urban, and agricultural sectors. The network is designed to integrate seamlessly with other transit systems, airports, and new city developments, reinforcing Egypt's status as a regional transport hub.
The high-speed rail network, totaling 2,250 kilometers across four lines, is currently under phased construction. The inaugural line will feature 21 stations and provide connectivity with existing transit options like the LRT, Cairo Metro, and BRT.
El-Wazir emphasized that Egyptian engineers and workers are achieving remarkable progress across all project sections, with the final completion date contingent on the conclusion of the remaining activities.