news

British Ambassador visits Cairo Monorail construction site

2
SHARES

Posted: 12 September 2024 | , | No comments yet

British Ambassador Gareth Bayley OBE toured the Cairo Monorail site, testing Alstom’s British-built trains and highlighting the strong UK-Egypt trade and sustainability partnership.

British Ambassador visits Cairo Monorail construction site

Credit: Alstom

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Gareth Bayley OBE, recently visited the Cairo Monorail construction site, highlighting a key collaboration between Egypt and the UK.

During his visit, Ambassador Bayley experienced a test run on one of the British-built Alstom Innovia 300 units, which will serve the 61-mile network once operational. He was joined by Egyptian Deputy Minister of Transport, Wagdy Radwan and Dr. Gen. Tarek H. Gewaily, Chairman of the National Authority for Tunnels. The group also toured Alstom’s main workshop, control centre and one of the 35 stations on the line.

The £2.3 billion Cairo Monorail project is significant as it marks the first export of UK-manufactured rolling stock since Derby-built trains were sent to South Africa in 2008. A total of 272 monorail cars were assembled and tested at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works, which is also the company’s Global Centre of Excellence for Monorail.

Ambassador Bayley praised the project, stating, “I was impressed by my visit to Cairo’s brand-new Monorail where I tested the cutting-edge train carriages that the brilliant Alstom team have produced.

“This project is an excellent example of the growing UK-Egypt trade co-operation and highlights the UK’s support for Egypt’s ambitions in providing greener and more sustainable solutions and services to its people.”

The final Cairo Monorail car had been completed in January 2024, following the first dispatch from Derby on 14 June 2021. The trains were shipped to Alexandria and then transported to Cairo.

Ben Lezala, Cairo Monorail Project Director at Alstom, highlighted the importance of the UK-Egypt partnership, stating, “Our discussions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving environmentally friendly mobility forward. By working together, we are developing integrated transport solutions that not only enhance efficiency and connectivity but also promote sustainable practices, contributing to the development of smarter and more resilient cities that meet the growing demands of urban populations.”

The new monorail system, the world’s longest driverless train network at 99km, will connect 6th of October City and Egypt’s New Administrative Capital to central Cairo. It is designed to accommodate up to 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction, offering an efficient and sustainable mode of transport to reduce congestion in Cairo.

OUT NOW: The Definitive Guide to Rail’s Digital Future

The rail industry is undergoing a digital revolution, and you need to be ready. We have released our latest market report, “Track Insight: Digitalisation.”

This is not just another report; it’s your comprehensive guide to understanding and leveraging the profound technological shifts reshaping our industry. We move beyond the buzzwords to show you the tangible realities of AI, IoT, and advanced data analytics in rail.

Discover how to:

  • Optimise operations and maintenance with real-time insights.
  • Enhance passenger services through seamless, high-speed connectivity.
  • Leverage technologies like LEO satellites to improve safety and efficiency.

Featuring expert analysis from leaders at Nomad Digital, Lucchini RS, Bentley Systems and more, this is a must-read for any rail professional.

Access your copy now!

 

 

 

 

 

Share via
Share via