CAIRO, Egypt (FN) — Egypt on Thursday unveiled a fleet of high-speed trains capable of reaching 155 miles per hour (250 kilometers per hour), part of an ambitious plan to modernize the country’s rail network and connect major cities, industrial zones, and tourist destinations. The trains, designed by Siemens Mobility, were displayed at the TransMEA 2025 transport exhibition in Cairo.
The new Velaro high-speed trains are built to withstand Egypt’s harsh desert climate, including high temperatures, sand, and dust. Each train can carry 489 passengers and will operate alongside regional trains known as Desiro High-Capacity units, which can reach speeds of 99 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). Siemens said the trains feature advanced filtration and cooling systems to ensure safe operation in desert conditions.
The network, still under construction, is planned to span approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) and include three main lines, 60 stations, and six maintenance centers. Officials said the “Green Line,” the first line to be completed, will connect Cairo to the Red Sea and Mediterranean coastal cities, providing faster travel for both passengers and freight. Authorities say the network will eventually serve nearly 90% of Egypt’s population.
Compared to Nigeria’s rail system, Egypt’s project is far more advanced. While Nigeria has modernized some standard-gauge lines such as Lagos–Kano and operates urban metro lines in Lagos and Abuja, most trains run significantly slower, and high-speed rail remains largely in the planning or early construction stage. Egypt’s Velaro trains are already designed to operate at full high-speed capacity, reflecting a more immediate realization of a nationwide high-speed network.
Egypt’s Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said the project is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost tourism and commerce. A 15-year maintenance agreement with Siemens and operation support from Deutsche Bahn International Operations aims to ensure long-term reliability. Authorities also noted that the high-speed system will reduce road congestion and help lower carbon emissions by shifting transportation from trucks and buses to trains.
Trial operations have already begun on segments of the network, and authorities expect the full system to be completed in phases over the coming years. While experts warn that desert conditions and infrastructure challenges will test the project’s feasibility, Egyptian officials describe the high-speed rail program as a landmark achievement for the country’s transportation modernization efforts.
