French railway giant Alstom has completed a significant milestone by sending the first nine-car Metropolis train set to Egypt as part of the Cairo Metro modernization project. The first train, meticulously manufactured at the company’s Petit-Forêt factory in France, is set to bring a modern breath of fresh air to Cairo’s public transportation system.
High Capacity and Environmentally Friendly Design
The new Metropolis train set has an impressive capacity of up to 2.580 passengers. Alstom engineers equipped the train with a wide and open passage, with passenger comfort and safety at the forefront. In addition, a special area reserved specifically for female passengers is among the striking features of the train. Designed with an environmentally friendly approach, the train’s components are 98% recyclable, clearly demonstrating the importance given to sustainability principles.
Increased Efficiency with Smart Care System HealthHub
Alstom not only offers modern trains, but also smart solutions to increase operational efficiency. In this context, the predictive maintenance system HealthHub is also being integrated into the Cairo Metro. This digital platform helps to detect potential technical failures in advance by analyzing real-time data obtained from trains. In this way, it is aimed to reduce operational costs and extend the life of equipment.
Strategic Partnership Between Alstom and Egyptian NAT
The foundations of this important collaboration between Alstom and the Egyptian National Tunnel Authority (NAT) were laid in a €2021 million contract in November 876. The contract covers the supply of a total of 55 Metropolis train sets and their maintenance for eight years. The financing of the project by the French government is considered a strong indicator of the strategic transport partnership between the two countries. Although previous statements indicated that the trains would be final assembled at the SEMAF facility in Egypt with a localization rate of 13,3%, Alstom has not made any reference to this facility recently.
Growing Industrial Presence in Egypt
Alstom’s investments in Egypt are not limited to train supply. The company is significantly expanding its industrial presence in Egypt, having recently signed an agreement to build two new production facilities in the country. This strategic move will strengthen Alstom’s position in the region while also contributing to local employment. Alstom’s steps are part of its vision to integrate environmentally sustainable technologies into the transportation systems of densely populated cities.
A New Era Begins in Cairo’s Public Transport
Alstom’s first Metropolis train set to Cairo represents a critical milestone in the modernization of the capital’s public transportation system. These state-of-the-art trains will provide Cairo’s passengers with a more comfortable, safe and environmentally friendly transportation experience, raising the city’s transportation standards to global levels. This collaboration between Alstom and Egypt also sets an important precedent for future modernization projects.
