Egyptian Transport Minister Kaml El-Wazir has taken immediate action to address the overcrowding on the Qalyub – Manuf – Tanta train line. During a recent tour, the minister met with citizens who expressed their concerns about the large crowds on the line, which passes through highly populated stations such as Ashmun and Shattanuf. In response, El-Wazir has ordered the Egyptian National Railways to increase the number of train cars on the line.
Starting from Tuesday, 17 November 2026, the number of train cars on the Qalyub – Manuf – Tanta line will be increased from six to seven cars. This change will be implemented throughout the day, with an additional car added to each train. The minister's decision aims to increase the line's capacity and alleviate overcrowding, improving the overall service for passengers.
To further address peak-hour congestion, the number of train cars on some trains will be increased from seven to eight cars, starting from Saturday, 21 November 2026. This move is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for commuters. The Egyptian Ministry of Transport has assured the public that it will continue to work on meeting citizens' demands and responding to the needs of passengers.
However, due to the increased length of the trains, some stations' platforms may not be long enough to accommodate them. Until the platforms can be extended, passengers are advised to move inside the train and exit from the front cars only at stations where the train exceeds the platform length. This precaution is necessary to ensure passengers' safety and smooth boarding and exiting processes.
The Egyptian Ministry of Transport and the Egyptian National Railways are working together to implement the platform extensions as soon as possible. The ministry has emphasized its commitment to adhering to strict safety and security standards across the entire railway network. The recent decision is part of the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and reliability of Egypt's rail services.
The increased capacity on the Qalyub – Manuf – Tanta line is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters. By enhancing the service and reducing overcrowding, the ministry aims to provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers. The Egyptian National Railways will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the line.
The ministry's efforts to address the concerns of citizens and improve the rail service have been welcomed by commuters. The recent decision demonstrates the government's commitment to investing in the country's transportation infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life for its citizens.
Key points
- The Egyptian Transport Minister has ordered an increase in train cars on the Qalyub – Manuf – Tanta line to alleviate overcrowding.
