Alstom: Egypt’s new capital could become unique model for Africa smart cities

Egypt’s planned new administrative capital will be a unique model for smart city development in Africa, said French train-maker Alstom on Tuesday.

Alstom is planning to bid in the tenders for the €360 million ($446.6 million) Alexandria tram project and the construction of rail lines in the new administrative capital, among other transport projects, Didier Pfleger, Senior Vice President for Middle East and Africa at Alstom, told state news agency MENA.

The French group is currently working on maintaining the infrastructure and signalling systems for the first and second phases of Cairo Metro Line 3, in addition to the electromechanical works for the third phase of the line.

In 2017, Alstom sign total contracts worth more than $110 billion, including around $10 billion in the Middle East, Pfleger added.

A new administrative capital, announced in March 2015, is intended partly to reduce the crowding in Cairo. Some 45 km (28 miles) to the east, it will be home to government ministries, housing, and an airport.