The Abou Qir Metro Line project in Egypt continues to advance as authorities maintain momentum on construction and system development works in Alexandria. The project focuses on converting an existing diesel railway into a modern electric metro system, thereby improving urban mobility and sustainability. Moreover, it remains a central component of Egypt’s wider rail modernization program.
Current status update (2026)
Construction activities on the Abou Qir Metro Line project are actively underway, particularly on the first phase of the corridor. Authorities continue to execute civil works and system preparations along the 21–22km alignment linking Abu Qir to Misr Station.
Meanwhile, rolling stock procurement has also progressed, with a Chinese contractor engaged to supply trains and long-term maintenance services. Additionally, international financiers including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and other development partners have approved funding support, ensuring financial continuity for project delivery.
Consequently, the project is transitioning from early-stage planning into full-scale execution, with phased delivery expected to continue beyond 2026. Furthermore, the Abou Qir Metro Line complements other national rail upgrades, including the Cairo Metro Line 2 upgrade project, which aims to enhance capacity and system reliability across the capital’s network.
Project scope and development overview
The Abou Qir Metro Line project spans approximately 22km, following an existing railway corridor to minimize land acquisition and disruption. The development includes both elevated and at-grade sections, with 14 stations on the elevated segment and six stations at ground level.
In addition, the project will integrate with existing transport systems, including tram and national rail networks. Therefore, it will significantly improve connectivity across Alexandria. Moreover, the electrified system will replace diesel operations, reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. As a result, the project aligns with Egypt’s sustainability and urban mobility goals.
Role of Egis and consulting partners
Egis serves as the lead consultant on the Abou Qir Metro Line project, providing project implementation support and supervision services. The company works alongside Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels and Engineering Consultants Group. Together, they oversee contract management and construction supervision across the project lifecycle.
Importantly, Egis does not act as the main construction contractor but instead plays a critical advisory and management role. Therefore, multiple contractors are expected to deliver different project components under separate packages.
Length
Having been referred to as the Abou Qir Metro Line, the railway will measure around 22km, connecting Abo Qir and Misr Station. In addition, in cooperation with the National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) and the Engineering Consultants Group S. A. (ECG), it is planned to upgrade Alexandria’s current diesel-powered railway to an efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly electric metro to accomplish Alexandria’s need of an efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport solution.
This company will be the lead consultant in the project and it will offer services in some key areas such as: The PIU Support where Egis will help NAT in the management of the project to ensure that all phases are implemented as planned; The Contract Management which is a major of the services offered by Egis in this project because it will ensure that there are good relations between the contracting parties as well as the adherence to the contractual agreements; Also it
National Authority of Tunnels said: “Collaborating with Egis to develop this revolutionary metro will be one of the pillars, through which our vision to upgrade and diversify Alexandria’s mobility will be realized this new metro line is a strategic approach in Alexandria’s transportation revolution through proposing sustainable, efficient, and sophisticated urban transportation system for Alexandria’s citizens, “our collaboration with Egis to establish this revolutionary metro will definitely add value to the overall development of Alexandria’s transportation infrastructure. ”
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Scope
Omar Benzaria, Regional Transportation Director, Egis Middle East & South Asia, stated: “When thinking about the prospects of the urban mobility, the mobility transformation towards integrated, sustainable solutions emerges as actually critical for the future of urban environments This metro line project is a good example of the corresponding tendencies, as it demonstrates how engineering and planning advancements can help to redefine the urban space for better, more sustainable future This project means that for Egis it becomes possible to guarantee that new standards are set for the operation efficiency of the public transit flagship,
“We are proud to be the strategic partner of NAT in so many transportation needs for Egypt today, where our highly skilled local and international experts who are actively involved in multiple projects ensure that NAT’S vision for sustainable travel and smart city development is realized in the highest levels of quality, as we remain keen to support Egis’ Egyptian customers on their journey towards Vision 2030. ”
Another key aspect of Abu Qir Metro line is that the line will be divided into two major segments. The first one is a 15. The first is an elevated section of the railway that is 5 kilometers long while the second is an at-grade section of the railway that is 6 kilometers long which runs parallel to the existing railway.
The elevated section will see 14 new, modern metro stations developed from scratch. Some of these stations include the terminal station in Abu Qir; El Maamoura Station, which will intersect with another railway line; Montazah which is an intermediate terminal; and Victoria Station which interconnects to the Raml Tram.
Metro Stations Development
Six more stations will be constructed at the ground section; Kafer Abdou station connects the depot, Sidi Gaber links to the Raml Tram stations, and Misr station connects the current railway network. This will ensure sustainability of the right-of-way of the Misr Station – Abu Qir railway line which will be incorporated into the project.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: Abou Qir Metro Line Project
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Project Type: Urban rail / metro conversion project
Length: Approximately 22km
Estimated Cost: Multi-billion USD (various financing packages)
Scope of Work:
- Conversion of diesel railway to electrified metro system
- Construction of elevated and ground-level track sections
- Development of 20 stations (14 elevated, 6 at-grade)
- Supply of metro trains and maintenance systems
- Installation of signaling, communications, and power systems
Timeline:
- Planning and design: Completed
- Construction start: Ongoing
- Current status: Active construction (2026)
- Phased completion: Expected beyond 2026
Funding Sources:
- Egyptian government
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
- European development finance institutions
Key Objectives:
- Improve urban mobility in Alexandria
- Reduce travel time and congestion
- Enhance environmental sustainability
- Integrate with national rail and tram systems
Project Team
Project Owner: National Authority for Tunnels (Egypt)
Lead Consultant: Egis
Local Consultant Partner: Engineering Consultants Group (ECG)
Contractors (by package): Civil works contractors (to be delivered under EPC packages)
Rolling stock supplier: Norinco International (trains and maintenance)
Financiers:
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- Other international lenders
Project Management & Supervision:
- Egis-led project implementation unit
- National Authority for Tunnels oversight team