At InnoTrans 2024, Siemens Mobility has presented the first Velaro high-speed train for service on Egypt’s 2,000km high-speed rail network.
The train was presented to Kamel Al-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, along with the German Federal Minister of Transport, Volker Wissing, and Siemens AG CEO, Roland Busch.
This train is part of a significant project to modernise Egypt’s rail system through a collaboration between Siemens Mobility, Orascom Construction, and The Arab Contractors.
In total, 41 Velaro high-speed trains will be produced for Egypt’s new railway system to travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h.
“The presentation of the first Velaro high-speed train is a significant milestone as we work to deliver sustainable rail travel for the Egyptian people. The Velaro is one of the most advanced high-speed trains in the world, incorporating the operational experience of over three billion kilometres. This Velaro will be one of 41 high-speed trains, 94 Desiro regional trains and 41 Vectrons to operate in Egypt as part of creating the sixth largest high-speed network in the world.”
The Velaro Egypt train has been designed for the country’s extreme environmental conditions and includes features to combat high temperatures, sand, and dust. Exterior gaps are sealed to minimise the ingress of sand and dust, while advanced filtration systems maintain clean air inside the train. The train’s aerodynamics have been enhanced to optimise airflow and reduce the accumulation of sand on key components.
The Velaro Egypt is an eight-car train spanning 200 meters in length. It can carry 481 passengers and offers both Business and Standard class compartments, as well as a restaurant carriage.
The train is equipped with on-board internet, power sockets, and real-time information displays.
Siemens has already produced and tested five of the ordered Velaro trains, as well as five Desiro regional trains, one of which has been delivered to Cairo.
Additionally, five Vectron locomotives are undergoing commissioning in Germany, and 16 Desiro trains are in various stages of assembly.
Meanwhile, Egypt is expanding its high-speed rail network, starting with the construction of the Green Line, a 660km route from Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh, passing through Cairo and Alexandria.
