The Transport Ministry is planning to launch tenders for the development of four Nile ports once legislation regulating river traffic and commercial transport is issued, Minister Hisham Arafat said yesterday, Al Mal reports. The bill, which the Ismail Cabinet signed off on in August last year, is currently with the House of Representatives.

Arafat also said he would hold a press conference tomorrow to announce more details on the plan to develop Egypt’s railway network, which is expected to see railway ticket prices rise at the start of the new fiscal year in July. The House of Representatives had approved earlier this month legislation that would allow the private sector to participate in the development, management, and operation of railway projects, which is expected to help the Transport Ministry with its plans to overhaul the sector. This comes as we hear that some train services have been halted while maintenance work ensues.