French firm secures major rail contracts in Egypt amidst infrastructure push

As Egypt continues to expand its transport infrastructure to meet the demands of its rapidly growing population, the country has turned to international partners to help modernize its aging systems.

One such partner, the French construction group NGE (Nouvelles Générations d’Entrepreneurs), has secured two significant contracts to improve Egypt’s rail network, cementing its role in the nation’s ambitious infrastructure overhaul.

NGE announced the signing of two new contracts that will contribute to the transformation of Egypt’s rail system.

The first project involves the modernization of a 112-kilometer section of the Cairo-Beni Suef railway line.

The overhaul includes replacing ballast, sleepers, rails, and 357 track switches, a critical upgrade to enhance safety, performance, and capacity for both passenger and freight transport between two of Egypt’s major cities.

The second contract focuses on the extension of the intercity Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in the 10th of Ramadan City, extending the line to Al Masa.

This new phase of the project is set to link the LRT system with the country’s future high-speed rail line connecting Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh, a vital route for Egypt’s rapid transport infrastructure.

NGE is partnering closely with Egyptian firm Orascom on these and other key projects. Orascom, which was responsible for the first two phases of the LRT line, has worked alongside NGE on several critical ventures.

In 2023, NGE won a contract to construct a 330-kilometer double-track high-speed rail line, a project designed to drastically improve Egypt’s rapid transport network.

Egypt’s government has been working to modernize its railways, one of the oldest in Africa and the Middle East, aiming to meet international standards.

These upgrades are part of a broader reform agenda to reduce travel times, enhance safety, and support the country’s economic development through more efficient transport infrastructure.

With the involvement of international companies like NGE and Orascom, Egypt is positioning itself to achieve its infrastructure goals.

This collaboration highlights the country’s commitment to bringing in experienced partners capable of delivering complex and strategic projects.

The ongoing work will not only transform Egypt’s transport sector but also contribute to the nation’s economic growth by improving the movement of goods and people across the country.