German industrial conglomerate Siemens has won a contract by state-run Egyptian National Railways (ENR) to modernise 260km of the country's railway network with advanced technology for signaling, level-crossings and communications. The upgrades, which are part of a national plan to modernise Egypt's rail system, will increase safety levels and allow the railway's maximum speed to be raised from 140km/h to 160km/h, boosting throughput of passenger trains and freight services. The routes between Benha and Port Said to the north east and Zagazig and Abu Kebir in the north of Cairo, will have their mechanical interlocking systems replaced with modern, centrally controlled electronic systems from Siemens. New point mechanisms, level-crossing technology and communications infrastructure will also be implemented along the routes, which include approximately 20 stations. The contract will also include the equipping of the operations control centre located in the city of Zagazig. The routes are expected to be commissioned in 2020. "The Egyptian rail network carries approximately 500 million passengers and six million tonnes of freight annually, and a capable, robust transport network is essential to accommodate rapid population and industrial growth," said Joerg Scheifler, Senior Executive Vice President of Mobility at Siemens Middle East. "Siemens technology supports the programme to modernise Egypt's railway system by updating existing infrastructure with innovative, environmentally friendly solutions for maximum reliability, safety and efficiency in operation." He added.
