The Egyptian government has signed a EUR362 million loan agreement to update its railway system.

It is partnering with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (a branch of the World Bank) to enhance safety and security across the country’s railway system, update signalling systems and develop human and institutional resources. The World Bank board approved the loan in March.

The Egypt Independent reports that the total project cost of the Railway Improvement and Safety for Egypt is US$681.1 million, with the Egyptian National Railways (ENR) making up the balance of US$241.1 million.

Part of the project will entail modernising the signalling for the Cairo-Giza-Beni Suef segment of the ENR network. The entire network comprises more than 5 000 km of rail tracks and serves primarily low-income earners.

1 June 2021
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