Egypt set to launch Alexandria Metro Phase 1 by 2026

Alexandria, Egypt (Metro Rail Today): Egypt's Minister of Transportation, Kamel El-Wazir, recently conducted an inspection to assess the progress of the Alexandria Metro Phase 1 project, marking a significant stride towards establishing a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation network for the historic coastal city.

Spanning a distance of 21.7 kilometers from Abu Qir Railway Station to Misr Station, the project encompasses 20 stations, with 6.5 kilometers of tracks laid at surface level and 15.2 kilometers elevated.

The project's development is spearheaded by a consortium led by Orascom Construction and France's Colas Rail.

During his visit, Minister El-Wazir conducted a thorough review with the project manager, focusing on various completed tasks such as the removal of existing tracks and station buildings, successful surveying and soil testing, and the commencement of civil construction activities. Notably, the Minister also inspected the progress of concrete paving at 13 level crossings, with 9 crossings already completed and the remaining 4 nearing finalization.

To ensure uninterrupted transportation services for Alexandria residents during the construction phase, the Ministry of Transportation is providing 195 minibuses as an alternative to the Abu Qir train.

Minister El-Wazir emphasized the significance of the Alexandria Metro Phase 1 project for the city's public transportation system, highlighting its anticipated contributions to Alexandria's economic and social development objectives.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the metro line is projected to accommodate 60,000 passengers per hour per direction, effectively reducing travel time between Abu Qir and Misr Station from 50 minutes to just 25 minutes.

The key advantages offered by the Alexandria Metro Phase 1 project include enhanced safety measures by eliminating level crossings and other potential hazards, a substantial increase in passenger capacity from 2,850 to 60,000 per hour per direction, significant reduction in travel times, improved operating speeds, decreased waiting times between trains, and environmental benefits stemming from the use of electric energy, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Alexandria Metro Phase 1 project represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Alexandria's transportation infrastructure, promising a more efficient, safer, and environmentally conscious mode of travel for its residents.