Egypt’s NAT, Colas Rail-led consortium to modernize Cairo Metro line 1

Updated 9/1/2024 6:47:00 AM

Arab Finance: The National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) has signed a contract with a consortium led by France’s Colas Rail and comprised Orascom Construction Plc and Hitachi to modernize the systems of the Cairo Metro’s first line, as per a statement.

The contract covers upgrading the systems of the 44-kilometer metro line, including signals, communications, central control, electromechanical works, and electrical power systems.

This project will be carried out in line with the development of the mobile unit fleet as 23 trains are currently being rehabilitated, in addition to the manufacturing and supplying of 55 new air-conditioned trains.

The upgrades aim to accommodate the growing number of passengers after the completion of the Metro’s network, as the line carries up to 1.5 million passengers a day.

The Ministry of Transport is keen to implement these upgrades to improve service quality, reduce maintenance costs, and support the sustainability of Cairo’s transportation infrastructure.

On the sidelines of the signing, Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El Wazir and the French Ambassador to Egypt Eric Chevallier discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in various transportation domains.

The discussions included the establishment of an industrial complex on 66 feddans in Borg El Arab, Alexandria by Alstom.

The complex includes two factories; the first for the production of electrical systems and railway components and the second for manufacturing all types of mobile units.