The first four Innovia 300 monorail units for the Alstom-led Cairo Monorail project have been completed on time and are now on their way to the Egyptian city.
The export of the fully automated, driverless cars, built in Alstom’s Derby factory, is the first UK rolling stock export since the 2008 Gautrain project in South Africa. It marks a major milestone in the project, which will deliver Egypt’s first two monorail lines, linking New Capital City and 6th of October City to the Greater Cairo area.
In August 2019, an Alstom-led consortium involving Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors signed a 2.7bn euros (3.2bn USD) contract to design, construct, operate, and maintain the two lines. The project includes a 54km line connecting the New Administrative City with East Cairo and a second 42km line connecting 6th of October City with Giza.
The two lines are expected to open in 2023 and will each be able to transport 45,000 passengers per hour in both directions.
After the construction phase is completed, the consortium will provide 30 years of operation and maintenance services for both lines.
“We are delighted with the progress on this landmark project for Egypt. Thanks to great teamwork and dedication, we have shipped the first Innovia monorail unit earlier than expected. We are committed to meeting our customers’ expectations and pursuing our long-term partnership with Egypt’s National Authorities of Tunnels. We strive to provide the country with state-of-the-art mobility solutions.”
The consortium is able to deliver this project thanks to 1.7bn GBP (1.97bn euros | 2.35bn USD) of backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the largest amount of financing the organisation has ever provided for an overseas infrastructure project.
“UK Export Finance has led the way in delivering innovative finance to help British companies achieve international success in a wide range of industries across the world and it’s great to see Alstom Derby’s export project come to fruition.”
