CAIRO – The Egyptian Ministry of Transport signed several important agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on Sunday with the Italian side in the field of railways and eco-friendly green transport.
The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir and Italian Ambassador to Egypt Michele Quaroni, on the sidelines of the Egyptian-European Investment Conference, held in Cairo under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the President of the European Commission.
In this context, the Ministry of Transport and the Italian Export Development Authority signed MoU regarding co-operation in supporting eco-friendly projects for the Ministry of Transport. The MoU was signed by the Egyptian Minister of Transport and, on the Italian side, by Mikal Ron, CEO of International Business at the Italian Export Development Authority.
Wazir stated that the signing of the memorandum of understanding comes within the framework of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s directives to focus on and expand sustainable green transport projects, achieving Egypt’s Vision 2030, and building the new republic, which includes expanding the establishment of a network of sustainable, eco-friendly mass transport.
The minister added that the metro network will be completed, and several eco-friendly green transport means will be implemented for the first time in Egypt. These include the high-speed electric train network, the light rail transit (LRT), and the monorail east and west of the Nile, to keep pace with the significant steps the state is taking in urban expansion, economic, commercial, and tourism activity, serving industrial areas, meeting the increasing demand for transport, and providing advanced, safe, and distinguished mass transport services to citizens across the country.
Wazir and the Italian Ambassador to Egypt also witnessed the signing of an agreement on terms and conditions between the Egyptian National Railways Authority and the Italian company “Arsenale” regarding the launch of the luxury tourist train service in Egypt (the Nile Guardian Train). The agreement was signed by Chairman of the Egyptian National Railways Authority Engineer Mohamed Amer, and Paolo Barletta, CEO of ARSENALE S.P.A.
In this regard, Wazir pointed out that this signing comes amid the significant qualitative leap that the railway sector is witnessing under President El Sisi, including the sector of moving units, which has seen substantial development and modernization in the recent period. He noted that the launch of the luxury tourist train project will represent a continuation of supporting the authority’s fleet of moving units with various types of trains.
Wazir said that the luxury tourist train will feature an interior design and exterior appearance that reflect the country’s civilisation while adhering to international standards.
The train will consist of 15 carriages and 40 cabins divided into three different categories: Deluxe, Suite, and Luxury Suite, with a total capacity of up to 80 passengers, providing a unique experience on board.
The minister added that this train will represent a blend of entertainment, luxury, and elegance, offering visitors a unique experience of traveling between Egyptian cities in great comfort and luxury thanks to the services provided on the train. This train will also have a distinctive positive impact on the tourism sector, allowing tourists to learn about Egypt’s diverse history and enjoy the country’s wonderful tourist sites and landmarks from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan till Nasser Lake.
Wazir and the Italian Ambassador to Egypt also witnessed the signing of a terms and conditions agreement for implementing signaling, communications, and power systems for Al-Fardan – Bir Al-Abd / Balouza – East Port Said line.
The agreement was signed between the Egyptian National Railways Authority and the Italian company MERMEC, in association with El Hazek Construction Company. The agreement was signed by Engineer Mohamed Amer, Chairman of the Egyptian National Railways Authority, on the Egyptian side, and Mr. Angelo Petrosillo, Vice President of MERMEC, on the company’s side.
The project aims to control train movements along the line through several modern systems: a modern signaling system (EIS), a communications system based on fiber optic technology, an electrical power system for signaling and communications, a 24-hour fault recording system, a modern electronic system for operating 13 level crossings with lights, bells, and automatic gates, a modern access control system for entry to control rooms, and an “axle counter” system.
