The House of Representatives’ Transport Committee is planning to review on Tuesday the Egyptian National Railway’s USD 575 mn agreement with GE for the purchase of 100 new locomotives, according to statements by committee member Mohamed Badawi. The committee is also waiting on the cabinet to send over legislative amendments that would allow the private sector to participate in the development, management, and operation of state rail assets. Transport Minister Hisham Arafat said over the weekend that the private sector will only be allowed to operate logistics facilities and warehouses. The actual operation of railway lines will be set aside until the overhaul of the state network is completed.

On a related note, GE has begun maintenance work on some 81 locomotives as part of the locomotives agreement, acting Egyptian National Railways chief Reda Abou Harja tells Al Mal. The locomotives, which were allegedly faulty when they were purchased in 2008, should be overhauled and be ready for service in four months, he added.