In a swift response to citizen demands, Egyptian Transport Minister Kaml El-Wazir has directed an increase in the capacity of trains on the Qalyub–Manuf–Tanta line to alleviate congestion and high passenger densities, particularly at busy stations. This decision follows a inspection tour by the minister on one of the new trains that entered service on the first line of the Cairo metro, where he heard demands from citizens to improve the level of service on the Qalyub–Manuf–Tanta line.
The Qalyub–Manuf–Tanta line serves areas with high population densities, including Ashmun and Shatt an-Nouf. As a result, Minister El-Wazir instructed the head of the Egyptian National Railway Authority to increase the number of cars on all trains operating on the line from 6 to 7 cars by adding one car to each train throughout the day, effective Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Furthermore, some trains will have their cars increased from 7 to 8 during peak hours, starting Saturday, November 21, 2026, to accommodate more passengers and reduce congestion, improving the level of service provided to citizens. The Ministry of Transport also announced that the increased length of the trains will exceed the platforms of some stations until the completion of extension works, which will begin immediately.
In light of this, the Ministry called on passengers to move inside the trains and disembark from the front cars only at stations with platforms shorter than the train length, and not to disembark from cars outside the platform boundaries, to ensure their safety and maintain regular boarding and exiting. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to responding to citizen demands and taking necessary measures to address increasing densities on railway lines while adhering to safety and security standards.
The increase in train cars aims to improve the efficiency of the railway service and alleviate the suffering of passengers due to congestion. This move is part of the Ministry's efforts to enhance the railway network and provide better services to citizens. The Qalyub–Manuf–Tanta line is one of the busiest lines in Egypt, and the increase in train cars is expected to significantly reduce congestion.
According to the Ministry, the decision to increase the number of train cars was made in response to citizen complaints and demands for improved services. The Ministry has been working to upgrade the railway network and improve services, including the introduction of new trains and the renovation of railway stations.
The Egyptian government has been investing in the railway network to improve services and reduce congestion. The increase in train cars on the Qalyub–Manuf–Tanta line is part of this effort, and the Ministry is expected to continue working to improve the railway network and provide better services to citizens.
Key points
- The Egyptian Transport Minister has ordered an increase in train cars on the Qalyub–Manuf–Tanta line to alleviate congestion and high passenger densities.
