Hitachi Rail to modernise Alexandria Raml Tram doubling capacity and enhancing passenger experience

Credit: Hitachi Rail

Hitachi Rail has been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors JV to modernise and upgrade the Alexandria Raml Tram, the first modern tramway in Egypt. The project will double operational speed, almost triple passenger capacity, and bring advanced signalling, communications, and digital systems to the historic line.

The scope of work includes 24 reconstructed stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Operational improvements are expected to reduce travel times from 60 to 35 minutes, increase speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and cut headways from nine minutes to just three. Passenger capacity per hour per direction will rise from 4,700 to 13,800, enhancing urban mobility, reducing congestion, and lowering CO₂ emissions.

Hitachi Rail will provide Operational Control Centre systems, SCADA supervision, CCTV and access control security, passenger information systems, and on-board equipment. The upgrades align with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development, while preserving the tramway’s unique heritage. The Alexandria El Raml Tram, dating back to 1863, remains the oldest tramline in the Middle East and Africa and one of the few in the world operating double-deck trams in regular service.

Joaquim Santos, SRS OPPS, Hitachi Rail, said:

Carlo Piacenza, SRS MEA Regional Director, Hitachi Rail, added:

Hitachi Rail is investing in local talent and digital innovation, building teams across engineering, finance, legal, and other disciplines to deliver projects. CBTC systems now include local IVVQ activities, while AFC initiatives support high-tech job creation and diversity. Digital solutions such as integrated public information systems and TRANSCITY™ AFC platforms enhance passenger experience, offering multiple payment options including QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards, and NFC mobile payments.

The Alexandria Raml Tram project represents a key milestone in strengthening Hitachi Rail’s presence in metro and railway systems across the Middle East and North Africa.