The Egypt–Sudan Railway Line is a cross-border rail infrastructure project being developed between Egypt and Sudan to enhance regional connectivity and trade. The first stage of the project covers approximately 285 kilometers from Aswan to Abu Simbel in southern Egypt, with initial surveys recently completed by Egypt’s Ministry of Transport. Initially proposed in 2010 and reactivated in 2018, the railway aims to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers between the two countries and further into Central and Sub-Saharan Africa. A joint high-level transport coordination committee has been established to oversee the project’s implementation, including the construction of an interconnected station in Sudan and the maintenance of existing Sudanese railway locomotives. The second stage, extending around 80 kilometers from Wadi Halfa in northern Sudan to Abu Simbel, will complete the cross-border linkage once operational. Other than the Egypt-Sudan railway line project, Egypt’s 2,000 kilometer high-speed rail network is also taking shape.
The announcement was made at the International Smart Transport and Logistics Exhibition and Conference (TransMEA) in Cairo. Through a live broadcast, the Prime Minister witnessed the movement of the regional ‘Desiro’ train along the route of the high-speed line in the October Gardens area. Furthermore, it passed through the Water Bridge and Fayoum Bridge up to kilometer 143. The Prime Minister also visited the ‘Velaro’ high-speed train, showcased in the outdoor exhibition area. The network will be served by 41 high-speed Velaro trains and 94 Desiro regional trains. It will also be served by 41 Vectron locomotives, all supplied by Germany’s Siemens Mobility. The company is currently building the project in partnership with Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors.
Possibility of similar cooperation in the maritime sector
During the meeting, the Sudanese officials also showed their interest in working with Egypt on construction and maintenance activities in the maritime sector. In that regard, Egypt’s transport minister Kamel El-Wazir emphasized that all of Egypt’s ports and maritime transport sector were willing to serve their Sudanese neighbors.
The Egyptian and Sudanese officials addressed the merits of constructing logistics areas at the Egyptian-Sudanese border ports of Qastal and Arqin to promote trade between the two nations.
The two nations also discussed the suggested schedule for implementing the Nile Valley Authority for River Navigation’s development work, as well as urgent plans to develop the authority, rehabilitate workers, rehabilitate current river units and support the authority with specialized technical cadres, with an emphasis on streamlining the Wadi Halfa berth and the Aswan-Wadi Halfa shipment companies.
Nov 2020
Governments of Egypt & Sudan to construct railway line linking both states
The government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and that of the Republic of Sudan through their respective ministries of transport have agreed to construct a 609-kilometer railway line linking the two countries. The agreement states that the route will begin from the city of Abu Hamad in the eastern region of Sudan up to the Egyptian border on the East African side, and from the city of Aswan in Egypt to the border with Sudan, on the North African countryside.
Both parties examined ways of acquiring funding to finance the feasibility studies for the project. Financing is likely to be through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, commonly known as the Kuwait Fund, and which is a State of Kuwait’s agency for the provision and administration of financial and technical assistance to developing countries.
Plans for the establishment of a road network linking the two countries
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On the sidelines of the signing of the agreement for the establishment of the railway line, the two countries also discussed the possibilities of constructing a road network connecting Egypt and Sudan through Chad and another one extending from Cairo to Cape Town passing through Sudan among nine other African states.
Speaking of the latter, the Egyptian government has already started establishing sections of the network on its territory. That section begins from Fayoum, passes through Beni Suef, Menya, Asyut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Toshki, and ends in Arkin crossing with Sudan.
Also Read: Monorail project to be constructed in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital
The Cairo-Cape Town Road is aimed at boosting trade exchange among the African states, creating job opportunities, and achieving comprehensive development.
Cooperation in the maritime transportation sector
The Sudanese minister also requested cooperation with the Egyptian side in the maritime transportation sector, including the training of cadres at Egypt’s Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transportation.
The Sudanese individuals working in the sector will also be trained at Egyptian seaports and the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety (EAMS).
