Egypt’s Sisi reviews transport projects, urges timely completion of infrastructure plans
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reviewed the progress of major transport and infrastructure projects during a meeting on Sunday with Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir, and Presidential Adviser for Urban Planning Major General Amir Sayed Ahmed.
The meeting covered the implementation status of development projects at Greater Safaga Port, Damietta Port, Greater Alexandria Port, and Sokhna Port, with Sisi directing authorities to complete the projects within their scheduled timelines while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Discussions also addressed efforts to develop Egypt’s transport networks to support regional trade, improve maritime and land connectivity, and facilitate the movement of people and goods, strengthening Egypt’s role as a regional trade hub.
Sisi stressed the importance of expanding logistics projects and transport infrastructure to enhance trade and economic integration, including with Arab and African countries.
The meeting reviewed progress on the high-speed electric rail network, the East and West Nile monorail projects, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on Cairo’s Ring Road.
El-Wazir said trial operations of the first line of the high-speed electric rail network, connecting Ain Sokhna, El Alamein, and Marsa Matrouh, will begin in September 2026 and continue for six months.
He added that the second and third lines of the network are important for linking newly developed agricultural areas with consumption centres and export ports, connecting tourist destinations, supporting population redistribution, and creating new development corridors.
Regarding the monorail projects, El-Wazir said the East Nile Monorail will reduce travel times between Greater Cairo, New Cairo, and the New Administrative Capital following its inauguration, while providing a modern and safe transport service in line with international standards.
He noted that the West Nile Monorail, extending 43.8 kilometres from 6th of October City to Wadi El Nile Station in Mohandessin with 13 stations, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
The minister also said the second phase of the BRT project is ready for operation and will serve densely populated areas. El-Sisi highlighted the importance of accelerating sustainable green public transport projects, describing them as a key pillar for urban, industrial, and tourism development.
The meeting also reviewed plans to maintain and upgrade roads and bridges across Egypt. El-Wazir presented updates on the Western Desert Road linking Giza and Abu Simbel, as well as the dualisation of the Aswan–Berenice Road, which stretches 327 kilometres and connects Upper Egypt governorates with the Red Sea coast.
He described the Aswan–Berenice Road project as a strategic development corridor linking the Nile Valley with border crossings and Red Sea ports.
El-Wazir also reviewed measures to reduce traffic congestion on the 6th of October Bridge through a comprehensive maintenance and rehabilitation plan aimed at improving road conditions and repairing damaged sections.
Sisi directed that all projects discussed during the meeting be completed according to the set schedules, with the highest quality standards and within the shortest possible timeframe.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English