Egyptian Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir has witnessed the entry into service of the first two new French trains on Cairo's Metro Line 1. The introduction of these trains is part of a larger agreement with French company Alstom to supply 55 new trains, comprising 495 air-conditioned cars. This development aligns with the government's plan to upgrade the metro system and provide better services to citizens.
The new trains feature advanced technical and technological specifications aimed at achieving higher levels of comfort and safety for passengers. They include modern air conditioning systems, safe passageways between cars, and television cameras in the driver's cabin and inside the trains. These features allow for real-time monitoring of the train's movements and enhance safety measures.
Minister El-Wazir emphasized that the acquisition of these new trains is a key component of the plan to modernize the first line of the metro. The contract with Alstom includes the supply of 55 air-conditioned trains, each consisting of nine cars, as well as the provision of modern equipment for the Tura workshop and maintenance services for eight years.
The new trains also feature LCD screens inside the cars to display information and guidance, as well as screens above the side doors to indicate the final destination. Additionally, there are designated areas for wheelchairs with securing devices for people with disabilities and electronic maps that illuminate the line and stations, making it easier for passengers, especially those with hearing impairments, to use the metro.
Minister El-Wazir highlighted that the first line of the metro, stretching 44 kilometers from Helwan to the new El-Merg, comprises 35 stations and is the backbone of the Greater Cairo metro network. It was the first metro line in Africa, the Middle East, and the Arab region and holds significant priority in the metro network development plan.
The Egyptian government is not only adding new trains to the line but also implementing a comprehensive development plan for all elements of the system. This includes upgrading lines, providing modern and safe services, and enhancing safety and security measures. Currently, 23 trains are being refurbished in collaboration with a Spanish company, and signaling, communication, and central control systems are being updated.
The development plan also involves updating the Tura workshop to increase its technical and technological capabilities, enabling it to handle maintenance for the new and refurbished trains. Furthermore, the plan includes constructing new stations, such as the Sheikh Mansour station, to improve services in areas with growing populations and enhance the overall efficiency of the metro system.
Key points
- The introduction of new French trains on Cairo's Metro Line 1 is part of a broader plan to modernize the metro system and improve services for millions of passengers.
