The Minister of Transport inspects the work sites, route, and stations of the Alexandria Metro project. 05/03/2026 | 02:10 PM
The Minister of Transport inspects the work sites, route, and stations of the first phase of the Alexandria Metro (Abu Qir - Misr Station), spanning 21.7 km.
Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Transport, accompanied by Engineer Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria, conducted an inspection tour of the work sites for the first phase of the Alexandria Metro, extending from Abu Qir Railway Station to Misr Station in Alexandria, a distance of 21.7 km. This includes 6.5 km at ground level from Misr Station to just before El-Zaheria Station, and then 15.2 km elevated to Abu Qir Station. The project includes 20 stations (6 at ground level and 14 elevated). He was received by Engineer Wagdy Radwan, Deputy Minister for Railways and Electric Traction, Major General Tarek Gweily, Chairman of the National Authority for Tunnels, his deputy, Engineer Ibrahim Bakheet, and the project consultant. The tour began with an inspection of the overhaul workshop in Kafr Abdo, built on an area of 58 acres. The inspection included monitoring the construction of 15 out of 18 buildings, including the rolling stock storage building, the test track, and the installation of the workshop's infrastructure networks. The Minister inspected the power station supplying the metro and tram projects, as well as the progress of the Abu Qir Light Maintenance Workshop, where leveling work has been completed and work is underway on the train storage building. Construction of the Abu Qir station is also progressing within the Light Maintenance Workshop. The Minister reviewed the manufacturing progress at the girder fabrication workshop (bridge girders and station girders), then proceeded along the project route to the Al-Zaheria, Gabriel, and Victoria stations, and the Kafr Abdo Heavy Maintenance Workshop, which serves the Al-Zaheria, Gabriel, and Al-Raml Al-Miri areas. Interchange with the tram at Victoria station is also possible. The girder installation machines were observed. The Minister reviewed the project's implementation status, noting that the piling, column, girder, and slab installations have been completed for a length of 12 km, and work is ongoing on the remaining track and stations. Foundation work (piles and footings) and column construction for the project's stations are also underway.
The Minister also reviewed the latest developments regarding the project's rolling stock, which will be manufactured and produced at the Egyptian National Railway Industries Company (NERIC), totaling 21 units. Train (189 carriages) where the designs are being reviewed and the completion rate has reached 14%. The availability of alternative transportation options to facilitate citizen movement was also confirmed. During his tour, the Minister emphasized that the project will represent a significant leap forward in the sustainable, environmentally friendly green public transportation system in Alexandria. It will contribute to achieving the targeted rapid economic and social development for the Alexandria Governorate and ensure the safe operation of the line, especially after the elimination of level crossings and numerous illegal crossings and intersections with traffic. The project will also accommodate the increasing volume of traffic and the number of trips, reduce fuel consumption, and protect the natural environment and public health by minimizing pollution and noise through the use of clean electricity. Furthermore, it will contribute to economic returns by saving fuel, reducing traffic congestion on main roads and streets, and attracting a percentage of passengers to use this mode of transport instead of private cars. This aligns with the Ministry of Transport's plan to maximize the use of sustainable, environmentally friendly green public transportation and reduce private car use. The project will also create direct and indirect job opportunities during its implementation and subsequent operation. The Minister added that the project will also increase the maximum passenger capacity from 2,850 passengers/hour/direction to 60,000 passengers/hour/direction and reduce travel time. The service will be reduced from 50 minutes to 25 minutes, with increased operating speed from 25 km/h to 100 km/h, and a shorter headway from 10 minutes to 2.5 minutes. The line will also facilitate passenger transfers with the Cairo/Alexandria railway at Misr and Sidi Gaber stations, with the Raml tram at Sidi Gaber and Victoria stations, and with the Rashid railway at Maamoura station. Future connections will include the first high-speed rail line at Borg El Arab station and the fourth high-speed rail line at the new Abu Dhabi station.
The Minister indicated that the implementation of the second phase of the line is currently under study. This phase extends from beyond El-Zaheria station to kilometer 21 along the Alexandria/Matrouh road, with a total length of 31 km. It begins at El-Zaheria station on an elevated track, then continues at ground level within the railway right-of-way until it reaches El-Max station, and then extends on an elevated track to kilometer 21 on the Alexandria/Matrouh road. This phase includes 22 stations, thus reducing the need for land expropriation. Planning is also underway for the third phase of the line, which extends from kilometer 21 to Borg El Arab Airport. This phase will connect Alexandria to Borg El Arab Airport and facilitate passenger transfers with the first line of the high-speed rail network at Borg El Arab station.
For his part, Engineer Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria, affirmed that the Alexandria Metro project represents an unprecedented qualitative leap in the green and sustainable public transportation system. He stated that it is the fruit of the political leadership's vision to develop the city's infrastructure to rival global cities. He emphasized that this project is the long-awaited, safer, and more modern alternative to serve millions of citizens and fundamentally eliminate traffic congestion. The governor added, "We are continuing to work on a solid foundation, building upon the coordination and sincere national efforts already undertaken, to affirm that Alexandria is witnessing an engineering marvel being implemented to the highest international standards in close cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, led by Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir."
Engineer Ayman Attia emphasized that the governorate is harnessing all its field capabilities to overcome any obstacles and ensure the completion of this national project within its specified timeframe, so that the people of Alexandria can reap the benefits of development in the form of a smart, fast, and safe transportation service.