Egypt cuts train speeds as heatwave raises rail safety risks

Egypt’s railway authority has temporarily reduced train speeds in parts of Upper and Lower Egypt as soaring temperatures increase thermal stress on rail tracks, prompting precautionary measures to maintain safe operations.

The Egyptian National Railways (ENR) said the temporary restrictions were introduced to protect rail infrastructure and ensure passenger safety, noting that extreme heat causes steel rails to expand and increases pressure on the track network.

The measures include reducing operating speeds during the hottest hours of the day, intensifying field inspections to monitor track conditions around the clock and deploying maintenance teams to respond immediately to any issues that could affect operational safety.

The authority said normal operating speeds would resume once weather conditions improve and temperatures return to seasonal levels.

It apologised for limited delays affecting some services and asked passengers for their understanding, saying passenger safety would remain its top priority.

Rail operators in several countries impose temporary speed restrictions during periods of extreme heat because high temperatures can cause steel rails to expand, increasing the risk of track deformation and affecting safe train operations.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser