Cairo, Egypt – Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, and Minister of Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, have outlined the investment strategy for the country’s transport sector for the fiscal year 2025/2026.

The discussions, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, focused on infrastructure development, green transport initiatives, and the executive progress of the Abu Qir metro project in Alexandria.

Aligning with Egypt Vision 2030

Al-Mashat emphasized that the Ministry of Planning is currently formulating the economic and social development strategy for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring alignment with Egypt Vision 2030.

This national framework integrates government priorities and sectoral strategies, including the Transport Development Strategy 2030.

The investment plan supports structural reforms and seeks to enhance private sector participation through the State Ownership Policy Document.

“The transport sector plays a fundamental role in sustainable development by facilitating economic activities and enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness. Our focus is on green and sustainable transportation to connect new urban areas and improve environmental sustainability,” Al-Mashat stated.

As part of the transition towards a green economy, the government is increasing the share of green projects in the state’s investment plan, aiming for 55% green public investments by the fiscal year 2025/2026. This includes integrating environmental standards and climate change policies into transport projects.

Infrastructure Expansion and Economic Growth

Minister Al-Wazir reaffirmed the importance of transport infrastructure for economic and social development. “All economic sectors rely on transport networks for the movement of goods and people. The political leadership’s commitment to the sector necessitates continuous development and expansion of transportation projects,” he said.

Under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s administration, significant investments have been made in roads, bridges, railways, electric traction, land and dry ports, logistics zones, sea ports, and river transport.

Egypt is also advancing its sustainable green transport network by expanding dry ports and logistics zones. The establishment of seven integrated logistics corridors is a key initiative linking industrial, agricultural, and mining zones with maritime ports, facilitating efficient trade and commerce.

Alexandria Metro Project: Progress and Future Plans

A major focus of the meeting was the Abu Qir metro project in Alexandria, a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing the city’s transport system.

Representatives from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the European Union in Cairo participated in the discussions.

The first phase of the project spans 21.7 km from Abu Qir Railway Station to Misr Station in Alexandria. This includes 6.5 km at ground level and 15.2 km of elevated tracks, featuring 20 stations—six at ground level and 14 elevated.

The metro will significantly improve Alexandria’s mass transport system, integrating with other modes of transport, such as the Cairo-Alexandria railway, the Raml tram, and the Rashid railway.

Enhancing Passenger Capacity and Reducing Congestion

The Alexandria metro project aims to address urban congestion, enhance safety, and promote energy efficiency. According to officials, the new metro system will increase maximum passenger capacity from 2,850 passengers per hour per direction to 60,000.

The travel time between Abu Qir and Misr Station will be reduced from 50 minutes to 25 minutes, with the operating speed increasing from 25 km/h to 100 km/h. The interchange time at major stations will also decrease from 10 minutes to 2.5 minutes.

Al-Mashat underscored the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with international development partners to ensure the project meets Egypt’s strategic requirements.

“Alexandria is part of the Green Cities program in partnership with the EBRD. The metro project is a pivotal step in promoting sustainable urban transport and reducing environmental impact,” she added.

Boosting Economic and Social Development

The Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development highlighted the project’s role in Alexandria’s economic and social growth.

“The metro will eliminate unregulated crossings, improve safety, and accommodate the rising demand for public transport. This will help in reducing traffic congestion and fuel consumption,” he explained.

The metro line’s strategic integration with Egypt’s transport network will facilitate better connectivity between major urban centers and economic hubs.

Passengers will benefit from seamless connections with Cairo’s railway system at Misr Station, further linking Alexandria with national and regional transport networks.

Government’s Commitment to Green and Smart Transportation

The Egyptian government is spearheading multiple initiatives to modernize transport infrastructure while prioritizing sustainability.

The Abu Qir metro project is a testament to this commitment, leveraging advanced technology and international expertise to create a reliable and eco-friendly public transport system.

As Egypt progresses towards its Vision 2030 goals, investments in the transport sector will play a crucial role in economic diversification, urban development, and environmental sustainability.

The government’s long-term strategy emphasizes smart mobility solutions, multimodal integration, and international cooperation to transform Egypt’s transport landscape.

With continued development in the transport sector, Egypt is positioning itself as a regional leader in infrastructure modernization, sustainable urban mobility, and economic growth, setting a precedent for future transit projects across the country.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members