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Cairo Monorail

Cairo, Egypt

2015 - Ongoing
MobilityMonorailRapid TransitTransportation
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Project Description

Approach Words: Integrated City, Smart Mobility, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Organization, Physical Intervention

The Cairo monorail is a two-line monorail rapid transit system under construction in Cairo1. It stands out as the country’s first driverless monorail system and as well as the world’s longest when completed2. The project is part of Egypt’s Vision 20303 i, and aims to increase connectivity between Cairo’s urban communities, facilitate citizen mobility, and reduce reliance on private vehicles4.

The Cairo monorail project consists of two lines:

  • The East Nile Line (New Administrative Capital line) running 54 km between the New Administrative Capital and East Cairo. This line is composed of 22 stations and will provide a transfer to the newly opened Cairo Metro Line 3 at Stadium station5.
  • The West Nile Line (6th of October City line) running 42km between the 6th of October City with Giza6. The line is composed of 12 stations and will provide a transfer to the newly opened Cairo Metro Line 3 at the Nile Valley Station7.

Title: Caico monorail master plan.

Source: Click Here

Title: 3D rendering of the planned Cairo Monorail.

Source: Click Here

Title: The Cairo Monorail under construction.

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Title: The Cairo Monorail under construction.

Source: Click Here

The design of the system aims to optimize travel times, targeting 60 minutes for the East Nile Line and 42 minutes for the West Nile Line8.It will use 280 Four-car Alstom Innovia™ 300 units capable of reaching speeds of 80 km/h9 and a capacity of 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction at peak time10. In sync with other public transport initiatives in Cairo, including the Cairo Metro Line 3, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems11, the monorail project is set to enhance urban living standards and ease mobility for the Cairo’s residents, particularly residents of the city’s outskirts.

The project was initiated by the National Authority for Tunnels12. In 2019, a consortium between Bombardier Transportation (since acquired by Alstom Group), Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors was contracted to design, construct, operate and maintain the two lines13. US-based firms Hill International and HJI Group were appointed to provide project management and design review services in 202014.

Owner/Developer (Public)

National Authority for Tunnels19

Consultant/Designer

Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom Group)

Orascom Construction

Arab Contractors20

Funder

Egyptian Competition Authority21

Contractor/Implementer

Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom Group)

Orascom Construction

Arab Contractors22

Owner/Developer (Public)

National Authority for Tunnels19

Contractor/Implementer

Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom Group)

Orascom Construction

Arab Contractors22

Funder

Egyptian Competition Authority21

Consultant/Designer

Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom Group)

Orascom Construction

Arab Contractors20

The project has been under implementation over phases, with an initial expected completion for the New Administrative Capital (East Nile) line is early 2020 and for 6 October City Monorail 2023 date of 2022 15. As of 2023, the lines are expected to be in operation in 2024 16. Post-construction, the consortium will provide 30 years of operation and maintenance services17. The total investment for the project is $4.5 Bn18.

Project Link, Endnotes and References

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