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Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Deutsche Bahn, Elsewedy sign EUR 1 bn contract to operate high-speed rail

One step closer to high-speed rail: Deutsche Bahn and El Sewedy Electric have signed a contract with the Madbouly government to manage and operate the first line of the planned high-speed rail network, the German railway operator, Elsewedy Electric (pdf) and the Transport Ministry said yesterday. The agreement is worth more than EUR 1 bn and will see the consortium run the 660-km line that will run between Ain Sokhna and Marsa Matrouh for 15 years with the option to extend for an additional 15 years. The signing comes months after the two companies signed an initial agreement with the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) over the project.

REMEMBER– Deutsche Bahn is the second German company to join forces with local players for the high-speed rail project, after the government signed in May a contract with Siemens Mobility alongside Orascom Construction (OC) and Arab Contractors for the project.

Who’s doing what: A JV between Deutsche Bahn’s subsidiary DB International Operations and Elsewedy Electric will operate the infrastructure and rolling stock and be responsible for maintenance of stations and depots. Siemens, OC and Arab Contractors will design, install, commission and maintain the line for 15 years. Siemens is also providing rolling stock for the railway.

REFRESHER- The USD 23 bn, 2k-km line will connect 60 cities across the country, linking Cairo, Aswan, the North Coast and the Red Sea. Trains are set to run at up to 230 km/h.

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