The minister toured the section from Marsa Matrouh Station
to Alexandria Station, passing through Ras El Hikma, El Dabaa, Sidi Abdel
Rahman, El Alamein, El Hammam, Borg El Arab, Army Stadium (King Mariout), and
Alexandria. He reviewed the pace of work and finishing operations at each
station, which are expected to boost tourism given their strategic locations
along the International Coastal Road and their accessibility to urban centers.
The stations are designed to serve residents, workers, and visitors alike,
enhancing mobility and encouraging tourism, residence, employment, and
investment in these growing cities.
Al Wazir inspected the passenger flow arrangements from the
main station entrances to ticketing halls and platforms, including the
provision of elevators for easier access. He also reviewed plans for the
optimal administrative and commercial utilization of available spaces within
the stations.
He stressed that all works are being carried out to the
highest quality standards, and that the design and execution of the stations
should reflect the modern and advanced nature of this landmark project.
The minister also followed up on construction progress at
the light maintenance depot in Marsa Matrouh, which spans 256,000 square meters
and is designated for light train overhauls. He reviewed ongoing infrastructure
works along the route, including bridges and tunnels, as well as the status of
other civil works under the project.
Al Wazir was briefed on the sections of the railway track
already handed over or currently being transferred to the Siemens, Orascom,
Arab Contractors consortium for basalt laying, rail installation, and catenary
pole setup. Electromechanical works will follow. To date, 387 kilometers out of
the total 660 kilometers have been handed over to Siemens, with the rest being
delivered in phases. He also reviewed the train delivery timeline, noting the
arrival of the first regional train, manufactured at Siemens' factories in
Germany, and confirming that the first high-speed Velaro train is expected to
arrive in Egypt by September 2025.
During the visit, residents and children from Sidi Abdel
Rahman village welcomed the minister and requested the construction of a
pedestrian bridge to safely cross the railway track. Al Wazir immediately approved
the request and ordered the construction of a new bridge, despite the presence
of an existing bridge just 7 kilometers away.