CAF bags €450 Million Contract to modernise and maintain Cairo Metro Lines 1 & 2

Cairo, Egypt (Metro Rail Today): In a major boost to Egypt’s urban transit infrastructure, CAF, the Spanish rolling stock giant, has secured three high-value contracts worth over €450 million from the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT). The agreements aim to modernise and maintain the Cairo Metro’s fleet, with a special focus on Lines 1 and 2, which serve millions of daily commuters in the capital.

The deal is being hailed as a transformative step in Egypt’s public transport modernization, aiming to enhance operational safety, passenger comfort, and fleet longevity.

Major Overhaul for Line 2 Trains

The largest of the contracts covers the complete modernisation of 39 trains operating on Cairo Metro Line 2, one of the city’s busiest metro corridors. The extensive overhaul will extend the trains’ lifespan by 30 years and includes the replacement of core components like:

• Traction systems

• Train control and management systems (TCMS)

• Braking mechanisms

• Auxiliary power systems

To improve passenger experience, interior refurbishments will feature modern seating, onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV cameras, and real-time passenger information systems—bringing the older fleet in line with modern transit standards.

CAF will also upgrade the Shubra depot, Cairo Metro’s key maintenance facility, enabling mass production under the fleet modernization program and ensuring smoother serviceability for years to come.

Long-Term Maintenance Contracts Secured

The modernisation contract will be followed by a 10-year maintenance agreement for the upgraded Line 2 trains, ensuring consistent performance and minimal downtime. Additionally, CAF has secured a separate 10-year maintenance contract for 23 trains on Line 1, which were part of an earlier modernization project initiated in 2021.

As part of the Line 1 commitment, CAF will revamp the Kozzika depot, boosting operational efficiency and enabling the depot to handle modern maintenance standards for the upgraded fleet.

Strategic Financing from Spain’s FIEM Programme

The funding for these comprehensive projects will be backed by Spain’s Business Internationalisation Fund (FIEM), managed by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Business. The initiative aims to support Spanish companies operating in international markets while bolstering bilateral trade and strategic infrastructure partnerships.

A Leap Forward for Cairo’s Urban Mobility

With Cairo’s population surging and daily ridership on the rise, the modernization of Lines 1 and 2 comes at a crucial time. The project is expected to reduce breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and enable the network to handle higher passenger volumes with improved safety and comfort.

“CAF’s €450 million deal marks a defining moment in Cairo’s push for a smarter and safer metro system. With global expertise and cutting-edge technology, this partnership will redefine commuter experience in one of Africa’s busiest transit networks,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, offering an international industry perspective.

Strategic Impact Beyond Borders

This contract reinforces CAF’s global leadership in rail systems while strengthening Spain’s footprint in the Middle East and North Africa. For Egypt, it marks another milestone in building world-class public transport that supports Cairo’s economic growth, environmental goals, and commuter satisfaction.

As Egypt gears up to expand its metro system further, CAF’s involvement in Lines 1 and 2 may serve as a blueprint for future modernization efforts across other parts of the country’s rail infrastructure.

Stay tuned to Metro Rail Today for the latest updates on metro modernization projects, urban transit milestones, and public-private partnerships shaping mobility around the globe.