Canada's Bombardier Inc and Egypt's government discussed Tuesday steps to build a 35km monorail on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt's cabinet spokesman said in a statement -- a project first announced in mid-2015. The 35km train will connect 6 October city, a satellite city on the outskirts of Cairo, with other parts of Giza governorate, according to cabinet spokesman Hossam Qaweesh. The rail project will support economic and housing projects being undertaken by the government as well as facilitating transportation and easing congestion, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail was quoted as saying in the statement, reported by state news agency MENA. The sprawling metropolis of Greater Cairo, where more than 21 million people reside, has for years suffered from severe congestion and poor public transport services. The project, described by the statement as “eco-friendly”, will be jointly implemented and administered by the government and the Canadian company. Tuesday's talks, attended by the ministers of housing, transportation and investment, included looking at Bombardier's technical and financial offer regarding the cost, funding and different phases of the project. Housing Minister Mostafa Madbouly said last year the project would cost $1.5 billion and was set to be completed by mid-2018 with funding from a 14-year loan. Bombardier provides rail vehicles, signalling and control equipment, as well as making planes.
