The Minister of Transport is following up on the progress of the implementation of the first line of the high-speed electric train network. 28/02/2026 | 04:32 AM
Minister of Transport Reviews Progress of Phase One of the High-Speed Rail Network and Inspects Construction Works of the Line One Depot in Hadayek October
In line with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to ensure continuous follow-up of the High-Speed Electric Rail Network project, Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Transport, accompanied by Eng. Wagdy Radwan, Deputy Minister for Electric Traction and Railways, and Major General Tarek Goueily, Chairman of the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), conducted an inspection tour to follow up on the construction and implementation works of the Line One High-Speed Rail depot (Ain Sokhna / El Alamein / Marsa Matrouh) in Hadayek October.
The depot is being established over an area of 578 feddans and is considered one of the largest and most significant railway operation and maintenance centers in the region. It is being implemented through two consortia: the first, the Orascom–Al Rowad Consortium, responsible for the design and execution of civil, architectural, infrastructure, and electromechanical works; and the second, the Siemens–Orascom–Arab Contractors Consortium, responsible for track works, signaling systems, power supply systems, and control works.
The Minister reviewed the comprehensive master plan of the depot through a detailed presentation by the implementation team. The depot will serve as the operational hub for the three network lines and will carry out both major and minor overhauls of trains, in addition to comprehensive washing, painting, and carriage refurbishment works. It is equipped to store all types of trains with a capacity of 50 trains and locomotives, and includes warehouses for spare parts required for maintenance operations.
The depot comprises 46 buildings, most notably:
The Major Overhaul Building, covering 67,000 square meters, which includes periodic maintenance areas, integrated maintenance zones, extensive storage spaces, and specialized annex workshops.
The Central Control and Operations Building for the three lines, considered one of the largest high-speed rail control centers in Africa and the Middle East, responsible for managing and monitoring the operation of the entire three-line network.
During the visit, the Minister inspected two train assembly and storage buildings covering 28,000 square meters, another building covering 17,000 square meters, as well as the manual washing facility, the Velaro train assembly area, the train water tank filling building, and the wheel inspection building. He directed that works be intensified around the clock and executed in accordance with the highest quality standards, given the depot’s vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of high-speed trains and supporting the rapid transit system.
The Minister also reviewed with the Chairman and leadership of NAT the progress of station finishing works and passenger flow planning, from the main entrance of each station through ticket halls and platform circulation areas, including the provision of elevators to facilitate passenger movement. He further reviewed the optimal administrative and investment utilization plan for station spaces, as well as the track sections handed over to the Siemens/Orascom/Arab Contractors consortium for basalt ballast laying, rail installation, and catenary pole erection, followed by electromechanical and systems installation works.
Rail installation has been completed over 88.3 km in the East Nile sector, 18 km in the West Nile sector, and 27 km in the Northern sector.
During the tour, the Minister affirmed that the implementation of the High-Speed Electric Rail Network represents a monumental national achievement being realized on Egyptian soil, as it will connect all parts of the Republic. With the completion of the first line, a land linkage between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean will be achieved, effectively creating a “new Suez Canal on rails.” He also extended congratulations to all project personnel on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and expressed appreciation for their dedicated efforts in delivering this mega project.
He emphasized that the High-Speed Electric Rail constitutes a transformative leap in sustainable, environmentally friendly mass transportation, providing a safe, fast, and green mode of transport that reduces reliance on conventional transport, lowers fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and supports the State’s transition toward green development and its commitment to sustainable development goals, in alignment with the National Climate Strategy and Egypt Vision 2030.
The importance of the project, he noted, extends beyond the transport sector to encompass broad economic and developmental dimensions, including:
Supporting industrial development by enhancing supply chain and transport efficiency;
Attracting domestic and foreign investments;
Creating direct and indirect employment opportunities;
Supporting urban development and l