Egypt's Minister of Transport, Engineer Kamal El-Wazir, has announced that the country's transportation system has witnessed substantial development over the past decade, especially in the rail sector. The minister stated that the state has implemented a comprehensive plan to upgrade the rail network, increase its efficiency, and enhance its capacity to transport passengers and goods. This development aims to improve the overall performance of the transportation system.
According to El-Wazir, the rail sector has seen significant improvements, with the number of locomotives increasing from 700 in 2014 to 900 currently, and the condition of these locomotives has improved from 50-60% to over 95%. Additionally, the number of passenger cars has risen from 3,000 to 4,000, with a significant portion being new or refurbished. These upgrades have enabled the rail network to increase its passenger capacity from 700,000 per day to 1.5 million.
The minister highlighted that the development plan for the rail sector is not limited to the rolling stock but also includes the infrastructure, such as the renewal of railway lines and the modernization of signaling and control systems. Furthermore, the plan involves expanding the network of high-speed electric trains, with four new lines planned, covering a total distance of 2,250 kilometers. These projects aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of the transportation system.
El-Wazir also emphasized that the development of the transportation system has not only focused on upgrading the infrastructure and vehicles but also on implementing advanced control and monitoring systems, including the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). This system enables real-time monitoring and management of the transportation network, ensuring high levels of safety and efficiency.
The minister noted that the state is also working to increase the capacity of the rail network to transport goods, with the volume of cargo carried by rail increasing from 3-4 million tons per year to 9-10 million tons currently. The target is to reach 15 million tons by 2030. This increase in cargo transportation is expected to support the growth of Egypt's economy.
El-Wazir reflected on the challenges faced by Egypt during the period from 2011 to 2013, describing it as a time of "unraveling." He emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and continuity in the development process. The minister stressed that the progress made in the transportation sector over the past few years represents a significant transformation in the country's infrastructure and transportation networks.
The development of Egypt's transportation system is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and society. The upgraded rail network will provide faster, safer, and more efficient transportation services, supporting the growth of various sectors, including tourism, industry, and commerce. The project is part of the state's efforts to enhance its infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has implemented a comprehensive plan to develop the country's transportation system, with a focus on upgrading the rail sector.
- The development plan includes upgrading the rail network, increasing its efficiency, and enhancing its capacity to transport passengers and goods.
- The project aims to improve the overall performance of the transportation system, supporting the growth of Egypt's economy and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
