Alstom trains assembled in Derby have entered passenger service on Cairo’s new driverless monorail network in a major export milestone.
The Cairo Monorail has officially entered passenger service using trains assembled and tested at Litchurch Lane Works, marking the first time a British factory has exported rolling stock since 2008.
The trains were produced by Alstom as part of a £2.3 billion contract to construct and operate Egypt’s new monorail system. The project was supported by UK Export Finance and delivered following an international competitive tender process.
Alstom has proved again that UK rail can be an export powerhouse.”
Derby built trains begin service on Cairo monorail network
The programme involved the construction of 68 trains, with the first vehicle leaving Derby just 20 months after the contract was signed. The final train departed the site in January 2024.
The project supported around 150 direct jobs at the Derby facility, which remains the UK’s only site capable of designing, engineering, building and testing trains for both domestic and export markets.
Rachel Reeves said: “Derby’s success in Cairo shows what Britain can achieve when government and business pull together.”
Andrew DeLeone of Alstom said: “Alstom has proved again that UK rail can be an export powerhouse.”
He added that the company is now pursuing additional opportunities across the Middle East, Africa and Asia with support from UK Export Finance.
Whatch Cairo Monorail trains being manufactured in Derby here:
The Cairo Monorail is the first system of its kind in Africa and forms one of the region’s largest urban transport infrastructure projects. The first operational phase covers 42 kilometres, similar in length to London Underground’s Jubilee line.
The driverless network includes two lines designed to support Cairo’s rapidly expanding suburban population and is expected to carry up to 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Operating on elevated pre-cast beams, the monorail has been designed to reduce road congestion, improve commuting times and lower carbon emissions across the wider Cairo metropolitan region.
The system uses Alstom’s Innovia monorail platform, which is also operating in cities including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Las Vegas.
Alongside international export work, Alstom is continuing to invest in the future of the Derby facility. A £35 million programme has supported development of Adessia, the company’s next-generation train platform designed specifically for Britain’s rail network.
Alstom said upgrades at Litchurch Lane have also strengthened UK manufacturing capability, rail engineering expertise and advanced skills development.
The Cairo programme is expected to strengthen Britain’s position within the international rail export market as global demand for high-capacity urban transit systems continues to grow.
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