Alstom signs €876 million contract for Cairo Metro Line 1
French train manufacturer Alstom signed on Monday an 8-year maintenance €876 million ($1.01 billion) contract with the Egyptian National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) to supply 55 Metropolis trains for the upgrade of Cairo Metro Line 1.
The upgrade project is financed by the French government and is part of Egypt’s plans to increase and improve public transportation capacity and passenger experience for citizens.
“We are honoured to play a role in the development and modernisation of Egypt’s urban network … It is a proven and technologically advanced platform. With a fleet of about 495 Metropolis cars, more residents will be able to commute safely and comfortably every day.” Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, said.
The Metropolis metro is set to be designed and manufactured in France, at the Alstom site in Valenciennes Petite-Forêt. The other French sites involved are Le Creusot, for the bogies and motor integration, Villeurbanne, for the passenger information systems, and Toulouse, for electrical engineering, Alstom further said in a statement.
“A state-of-the-art metro, Metropolis brings an unprecedent level of comfort to Cairo residents and tourists. Its interior layout is tailored to the specific requirements of the line and designed to maximise train capacity while enhancing comfort, accessibility and passenger flow. It features wide corridors and a dedicated women’s area.” Alstom statement read.
“At peak times, each train will be able to carry 2,580 passengers and its eco-design brings increased energy-efficiency and is up to 98 percent recyclable. Finally, Alstom’s proposal includes a unique design to reflect the history and culture of Cairo.
“Incorporated digital solutions allow for real-time passenger information, dynamic route maps, video displays and video surveillance. Also included is Alstom’s cutting-edge condition-based and predictive maintenance solution known as HealthHubTM. Through enhanced data collection, the system optimises the lifecycle costs and saves up to 20 percent in preventive maintenance labour and 15% in materials consumption. Maintenance work will be carried out at the depot in Cairo and managed locally, creating long-term job opportunities for local talent. A training and development plan will be rolled out in partnership with the Egyptian Company for Metros (ECM) – the operator and maintainer of Line 1.”
This signature, which took place during the TransMEA 2021. It follows the agreement signed earlier June 13 between French Economy, Finance, and Recovery Minister Bruno Le Maire and Egyptian Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir concerning the financing of this agreement and of the maintenance contract, for the development of the Cairo metro.
