The contract was signed by Dr. Tarek Gewely, Chairman of the NAT, Engineer El Sayed El Wazir, Vice Chairman of The Arab Contractors Company, and Hassan Allam, Chairman of Hassan Allam Construction.
Minister of Industry and Transport emphasized that the
rehabilitation of the Raml Tram line is part of the ministry’s plan to
implement several green mass transit projects in Alexandria Governorate,
recognizing it as the second most populated governorate. He expressed
satisfaction that two national Egyptian companies are undertaking this project.
After rehabilitation, the line will span 13.2 km and include
24 stations: 5.7 km at surface level, 7.3 km elevated, and 276 meters
underground. The line will start from Victoria Station and extend westward,
passing through areas such as San Stefano, Gianaclis, El Wozara, Roushdy, Moustafa
Kamel, Sidi Gaber, Sporting, El Ibrahimia, and Raml. Passenger transfer
services will also be available with the Alexandria Metro's regional line at Victoria
and Sidi Gaber stations.
He noted that this project will reduce travel time from 60
minutes to 35 minutes by increasing operating speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h and
decreasing headway from 9 minutes to 3 minutes. It will also increase passenger
volume from 4,700 passengers/hour/direction to 13,800
passengers/hour/direction. Additionally, the project will improve transport
services in Alexandria Governorate, facilitate traffic flow, and protect the
environment.
He added that last June, a contract was signed with Hyundai
Rotem of Korea for the manufacturing and supply of 30 tram units, with design
work for the rolling stock currently underway.
This signing is notable as it follows closely on the heels of an agreement for the localization and supply of 21 metro train units (comprising 189 carriages) for the Alexandria Metro project. The first phase of this project, a 21.7 km stretch from Abu Qir railway station to Misr Station in Alexandria, is currently under construction. These initiatives are integral to the Ministry of Transport's overarching plan to establish a sustainable, environmentally friendly network of green mass transit systems throughout Alexandria.