Siemens Mobility unveiled its first Velaro high-speed train for the 2,000km turnkey rail system in Egypt at InnoTrans, the world’s leading international trade fair for transport in Berlin. The train is specifically designed to withstand the climatic and sandy conditions of Egypt and was presented to Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt, Industry and Trade Minister, and Transportation Minister, and his delegation, in the presence of the German Federal Minister of Transport, Mr. Volker Wissing and Siemens AG CEO, Roland Busch. The train is the first of the 41 Velaro trains manufactured for the multibillion-dollar turnkey project, a Consortium between Siemens Mobility, Orascom Construction, and The Arab Contractors.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, says: “The presentation of the first Velaro high-speed train is a significant milestone as we work to deliver sustainable rail travel for the Egyptian people. The Velaro is one of the most advanced high-speed trains in the world, incorporating the operational experience of over three billion kilometers. This Velaro will be one of 41 high speed trains, 94 Desiro regional trains and 41 Vectrons to operate in Egypt as part of creating the sixth largest high-speed network in the world.”
The Velaro Egypt
The Velaro Egypt, an eight-car high-speed train, is 200 meters long and boasts Business and Standard class compartments, along with a restaurant carriage. The train is designed for comfort and has a capacity of 481 passengers (479 seats + two wheelchair spaces), on-board internet and power sockets. State-of-the-art displays provide passengers with live train information throughout their journey. The Velaro Egypt is the latest generation of the Velaro platform, drawn from the Velaro MS used by Deutsche Bahn in Germany. It incorporates a distributed traction concept and is designed to reach speeds up to 250km/h.
Built to withstand extreme climatic and sandy conditions
To withstand the unique environmental challenges in Egypt, such as high temperatures, sand, and dust, the Velaro Egypt train has been equipped with special features for maximum availability. Exterior gaps have been sealed using covers, or brushes to minimize the ingress of sand and dust. Advanced filter systems have been installed in the air guiding components to maintain clean air, and the underfloor area’s air flow has been optimized to prevent component overheating. Newly developed spoilers and additional aerodynamic measures are used to optimize air flow to prevent sand and dust from rising to the upper areas or onto the roof at high speeds. Furthermore, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system has been increased, and air distribution has been optimized to ensure optimal comfort for passengers.
To equip the entire rail network, Siemens Mobility will deliver trains based on its proven product platforms. Currently, production is in progress with five Velaro high-speed trains already built and tested, along with five Desiro trains, one of which has been delivered to Cairo. Furthermore, five Vectron locomotives are undergoing commissioning in Germany. In addition, 16 Desiro trains are currently in various stages of pre-assembly and assembly in Germany.
Civil works on track
The Egyptian high-speed railway project is making significant progress, starting with the first phase in Cairo. The Green Line, which spans 660km from Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh via Cairo and Alexandria has seen track laying, and train stations, and bridges under construction by local contractors. Key milestones also include the installation of the first four transformers and construction of two substations for the electrified railway.
Construction efforts are primarily focused on the stabling facilities at New Capital Station (East of Cairo), which is the first of six and each will once completed accommodate on its eight tracks of approximately 200m lengths three Velaro and seven Desiro trains and three Vectron locomotives, and the Main Depot (West of Nile). This is the first depot, which has seen extensive construction activities, including eleven million cubic meters of soil cutting and 3.5 million cubic meters of backfilling. It includes a stabling area with nine tracks, each approximately 670 meters in length, capable of accommodating 11 Velaros, 15 Desiros, and 13 Vectrons. The depot also features a sizable maintenance workshop measuring 260 by 260 meters, a central control room overseeing all three lines, and training facilities equipped with driving simulators. The stabling facility at New Capital Station and the Main Depot will accommodate delivered trains by 2025.
Safely connecting people and goods across Egypt
Siemens Mobility, along with partners Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors, is leading the Egyptian high-speed railway project, which aims to revolutionize rail transportation in Egypt. This ambitious project involves building a 2,000-kilometer modern rail network connecting 60 cities. It will provide Egyptians access to a safe and reliable transportation system while reducing carbon emissions by 70%.
