Egypt is set to begin passenger operations on the first line of its high-speed electric railway network in July 2027. The line will connect Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea with Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean, covering a distance of 660 kilometers. The project, announced by Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir, will feature 21 stations and a central control centre. This development is part of Egypt's efforts to enhance its transportation infrastructure.
The high-speed rail line will connect key cities, including Ain Sokhna, Cairo, Alexandria, New Alamein, and Marsa Matrouh. The route will serve residential areas, tourist destinations, industrial zones, and logistics hubs. According to official project updates, the line is part of the Sokhna-Alexandria logistics corridor, which aims to link Red Sea and Mediterranean ports with industrial and logistics areas. This strategic connection is expected to boost economic growth and trade.
The high-speed trains on the line will operate at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour. Journeys between Cairo and Marsa Matrouh are expected to take between two and two-and-a-half hours, while travel between Ain Sokhna and Marsa Matrouh will take between three and three-and-a-half hours. The line will offer different services for passengers and freight, with regional trains stopping at intermediate stations reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The first line of the high-speed rail network will have 15 high-speed trains, 34 regional trains, and 14 freight locomotives. This project is part of Egypt's wider high-speed electric rail network, which includes three initial lines spanning around 2,000 kilometers. The government plans to expand the network to four lines covering approximately 2,250 kilometers. The second line will extend from 6 October City through Upper Egypt to Abu Simbel, while the third will connect Qena with Hurghada and Safaga on the Red Sea coast.
The high-speed rail network is designed to integrate with other modes of public transport. The first line will connect to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) at the Capital Central Station. This integration aims to provide seamless travel experiences for passengers and enhance the overall efficiency of the transportation system. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and the environment.
The July 2027 timeline follows earlier government plans to begin trial operations on sections of the first line in September 2026. Testing is expected to last around six months before passenger services begin. The project has been in development for some time, with the government working to meet the target launch date. The high-speed rail network is a significant infrastructure project that will transform Egypt's transportation landscape.
The high-speed rail network will have a significant impact on Egypt's transportation infrastructure and economy. With its planned expansion, the network is expected to improve connectivity between cities, reduce travel times, and increase economic growth. The project is a key part of Egypt's efforts to modernize its infrastructure and enhance its global competitiveness.
Key points
- Egypt targets July 2027 to launch passenger operations on its high-speed electric railway network.
- The first line of the network will connect Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea with Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean.
- The high-speed trains on the line will operate at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour.
