French train developer Alstom has secured an €876 million contract to supply the Cairo Metro Line 1 with new trains, alongside an eight-year maintenance agreement, as part of plans to upgrade Egypt's oldest metro line.
Alstom logo. Credit: nitpicker / Shutterstock
Credit: nitpicker / Shutterstock
The agreement with Egypt's National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), which was signed back in June, will see the French developer supply 55 trains to the line as the nation looks to improve public transport links within the capital.
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Launched in 1987, the Cairo Metro Line 1 transports some two million passengers a day between El Marg and Helwan.
Alstom is set to supply trains with roughly nine carriages, with the aim of maximising capacity while improving overall comfort and quality of life for passengers.
At peak times, each train will be able to carry 2,580 passengers and reportedly includes an eco-friendly design that brings increased energy efficiency and is up to 98% recyclable.
“We are honoured to play a role in the development and modernisation of Egypt’s urban network and are grateful for the National Authority for Tunnels confidence in Alstom’s Metropolis solution", said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom.
"With a fleet of about 495 Metropolis cars, more residents will be able to commute safely and comfortably every day", he added, giving thanks to the nation's transport minister Kamel El-Wazir and French authorities for authorising the deal.
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The trains will also pioneer digital displays for route-tracking, dynamic planning, video surveillance and video displays, the company claims. Through enhanced data collection, the system optimises the lifecycle costs and saves up to 20% in preventive maintenance labour and 15% in materials consumption.
Alstom has been involved in Egypt's railways since 1971, and has always supported infrastructure development in the nation.
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