A Suez Canal on tracks - A new era of transport for Egypt

I am proud that today we are celebrating together with our customer and the people of Egypt a very exciting project. In cooperation with our partners, Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors, we will design, install, commission and service the first electric mainline railway and high-speed rail transportation system in Egypt. We will provide the technology portion of the project based on our best-in-class platforms and strong execution record, fully integrated by our turnkey capabilities, while our client will take care of e.g. the bridges and sub construction. This lighthouse project will be the foundation for sustainable growth in the region and will improve the quality of life for Egyptians, connecting the country and the people, and thereby fostering the economic growth of the whole region.

The 660 km long state-of-the-art line will enable millions of Egyptians and visitors to travel safely between Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea and the vastly developing cities of Marsa Matrouh and El-Alamein on the Mediterranean Sea. By establishing an affordable and comfortable commuter system for Greater Cairo, the project will provide sustainable transport for all. The fully integrated rail system will cut travel times by up to 50% and provide training opportunities for staff. ?The consortium will directly create more than 15,000 jobs with many more to come as soon as the other parts and lines of the project develop further and are ready for implementation.

Let me give you some background detail on why I consider this project a game-changer for the region. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims at transforming the country. The significant investment in railway infrastructure will help to achieve sustainable growth and thereby improve Egyptians’ quality of life. One lever to achieve a boost to Egypt’s GDP and create employment is to foster sustainable transport solutions for people and goods, so for example by efficiently connecting cities and creating a Suez Canal on tracks.

As for the actual Suez Canal which is important for global trade, the impact of the project reaches beyond creating a regional transportation hub. It is also a proof of the positive impact of sustainable transport solutions.

Around the globe, we see an intensifying need to mitigate climate change - so we need sustainable infrastructure solutions.?Now is the chance for countries to create a more sustainable economy. Now is the chance for operators to make their mobility systems more digital and future-proof. Egypt is just one example, but I am sure many more will follow to move beyond.

With this project, we are continuing the successful relationship between Egypt and Siemens, and we are honored that the Ministry of Transport and the National Authority for Tunnels is putting their trust in us to deliver this important project.

I am looking forward to seeing the progress and accompanying the country into the new era of transportation and thereby transforming the everyday lives of the people in Egypt. Together we will create mobility solutions for a better tomorrow.

You can read more about the project and follow its progress here.?