On September 21, 2026, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, and Major General Tarek Margou, Governor of Dakahlia, conducted an inspection of several developmental and service projects in Mansoura. The projects included the river bus and the Egypt Public Library. This visit aimed to assess the progress and implementation of these initiatives.
The river bus project comprises four main stations: Umm Kulthum, Ibn Lqman, Shajara al-Dur, and Sheikh al-Sha'rawi. The total cost of these stations is approximately 20 million Egyptian pounds. These stations were established as part of the first phase of the project in Mansoura, aiming to provide a new mode of transportation across the Nile and alleviate traffic congestion.
The project has the potential to expand to include nine stations connecting the east and west of Mansoura, as well as three subsidiary stations linking Mansoura to the other side of the Nile in Talkha. The river buses have a capacity of 30 to 50 passengers and are expected to reduce waiting times between trips to 25-35 minutes.
The project prioritizes environmental conditions in the operation of river units. It considers using environmentally friendly energy sources, such as liquefied gas or renewable energy using solar cells, instead of traditional fuel sources. This approach aligns with efforts to minimize the project's environmental impact.
Major General Tarek Margou emphasized that the project's studies were conducted according to technical specifications and required quality standards. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate citizens' movement within Mansoura. He also noted that the river bus ticket prices will be affordable to ensure the service is accessible to citizens.
The river buses will be equipped with electronic gates, guidance boards to determine distances, GPS systems, and air conditioning units. The inspection also included monitoring the progress of other service and development projects in the governorate, such as internal transportation and solid waste management projects.
The visit by Dr. Manal Awad and Major General Tarek Margou reflects the government's commitment to improving public services and infrastructure in Dakahlia. The river bus project and the Egypt Public Library are expected to significantly impact the quality of life for residents in Mansoura and surrounding areas.
Key points
- The river bus project in Mansoura includes four main stations and has a potential capacity of 50 passengers per bus.
- The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and provide an environmentally friendly transportation option.
- The inspection also covered other developmental projects, including internal transportation and solid waste management initiatives.
