As of November 22nd, 2024, Egypt is working diligently to keep pace with development across various sectors. Following the initiation of numerous developmental and housing projects throughout the nation, the government has embarked on constructing the monorail system, which is poised to bring a significant transformation to the transportation network in Cairo and the New Administrative Capital.
If you are wondering what the monorail project entails or how ticket prices will be determined, you will find answers to these questions and more within this article.
Key Highlights
- Operation Date: Stay tuned for the official launch date.
- Key Stations: An overview of significant stops along the route.
- Ticket Pricing: Information on how pricing will be structured for riders.
What is the Monorail?
The monorail can be described as an electric train that runs on a single rail system, elevated on concrete beams above ground level and away from traffic intersections. This project is noteworthy for being environmentally friendly, producing no emissions like those created by conventional trains. Additionally, the monorail is considered more cost-effective than subway systems, while providing a fast and safe means of transportation across the city, thus avoiding traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
What is Egypt’s Plan for the Monorail Project?
To alleviate pressure on Cairo and connect it to new cities, the government is working on the construction of two monorail lines as part of the first phase of the project, financed through a concessional loan from the Canadian Export Development Bank.
- Design Speed: The project has a design speed of 80 km/h.
- Capacity: It can accommodate up to 250,000 passengers daily.
Travel Times:
- First Line: Connects 6th of October City to the Mohandessin neighborhood in a journey lasting 32 minutes.
- Second Line: Links Nasr City between Cairo and the New Administrative Capital, with a travel time of 60 minutes.
The executing companies of this project will work under the supervision of the National Authority for Tunnels, which is part of the Ministry of Transport. The ministry aims to transfer the expertise of Bombardier to Egyptian hands and is planning to establish a factory in East Port Said to manufacture monorail cars.
Which Companies are Involved in the Project?
The government has contracted a consortium of three companies to design and implement the two monorail lines, which will also be responsible for the operation and management of the project for 30 years (from the project’s implementation date) under a build-operate-transfer arrangement. This consortium comprises:
- Bombardier: Responsible for signaling and communication systems and supplying the trains.
- Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors: Tasked with executing the civil works related to the project.
Additionally, the National Authority for Tunnels selected a consulting consortium for the advisory and supervisory work of the monorail project, choosing the bid with the lowest cost. This consortium includes:
- Hill International (USA)
- HJI Group (Egypt)
What is the Route of the New Administrative Capital Monorail?
The route of the monorail extends east of the Nile from the Al-Astad station in Nasr City to the New Administrative Capital, covering approximately 56.5 km. This route features 22 stations that connect key areas such as Nasr City, New Cairo, and the New Administrative Capital, providing a modern transport option that facilitates connectivity between these vital regions.
Monorail Stations on the Route to the New Administrative Capital:
- Al-Astad
- Hesham Barakat
- Nouri Khatab
- 7th District
- Zakir Hussein
- Free Zone
- Mosheer Tantawi
- Cairo Festival
- Shoufayet
- Air Hospital
- Nargis Neighborhood
- Mohamed Naguib
- American University
- Emaar
- Fountain Square
- Al-Borowa
- Middle Ring Road
- Mohammed Bin Zayed
- Regional Ring Road
- Al-Masa Hotel
- Ministries District
- New Administrative Capital
What is the Route of the 6th of October Monorail?
The 6th of October Monorail line features fewer stations than the New Administrative Capital line, with a total length of only 42 km. The journey duration for this monorail is approximately 30 minutes.
Key Stations on the 6th of October Monorail Route:
- 6th of October Industrial Zone
- Al-Hosari Mosque
- October Station
- Juhaina Square
- Zayed Station
- Hyper One Station
- Alexandria Desert Road Station
- Mansouriya Station
- Ring Road Station
- Arab League University
What is the Timeline for the Monorail Project?
According to the National Authority for Tunnels, both projects are expected to be completed within three and a half years from the date of contracting with the executing consortium.
- New Administrative Capital Monorail:
- The initial phase is projected to take 34 months, with a trial opening scheduled for October 2023. The second phase is expected to be completed by early 2024.
- 6th of October Monorail:
- Construction is anticipated to take 42 months from the contract activation, connecting Giza (Arab League Street) to 6th of October City, with an expected opening in mid-2024.
How Will the Ticket Prices be Determined?
While the monorail operates on electricity similar to the subway, ticket prices will not be subsidized by the state. The government, in collaboration with the consortium responsible for implementation and operation, will determine the ticket price.
Notably, the price will be set at an economic level that does not burden citizens but covers only operational and maintenance costs, while the government will bear the cost of constructing the necessary infrastructure for the monorail lines.
Which Residential Areas Will Benefit Most from the Monorail Project?
The monorail project in Egypt will significantly alter the residential landscape of the areas it serves. Beyond connecting different parts of Cairo, the monorail will expedite movement between these neighborhoods. Below are some of the residential areas that will benefit greatly from this massive project:
For the 6th of October Monorail:
- 6th of October City: The monorail will serve many neighborhoods in this city, particularly the new expansions and social housing projects. Key stations include the industrial zone, Al-Hosari, and Juhaina Square.
- Sheikh Zayed City: The monorail station in Sheikh Zayed is located near the Hyper One market, making it an essential access point to the area.
