PM, transport minister discuss railway moderation plan

CAIRO – 19 November 2017: Prime Minister Sherif Ismail asserted on Sunday that the state's attention to developing the railways as a vital network linking all parts of the country and to serve its industrial and development goals.

Ismail, who was speaking during a meeting with Transport Minister Hisham Arafat, reiterated also keenness to upgrade railway services and to make best use of capabilities and potentials.

The meeting reviewed a plan to be accomplished in 2022 to upgrade the railroad network at a total of EGP 50 billion. The scheme covers the infrastructure and trains including the electrification of railroad crossings to enhance safety and security.

As many as 200 new locomotives will be purchased and 81 old ones will be renovated as part of the plan, said Arafat, adding that 300 cargo carriages will be locally manufactured.

Some 1,300 passenger coaches are planned to be built, he said.

As for renovating railroad crossings, the minister said that 90 will be accomplished in 2018, bringing the total to around 365.