A presidential order authorizing an agreement between Egyptian National Railways and the Export-Import Bank of Korea for the upgrade of the 224-kilometre Luxor-High Dam rail line, worth 60.642 million USD, was recently approved by the Egyptian Cabinet.
The government of Egypt is said to have designated the improvement of its railway system as a national priority, with plans to invest $220 billion USD until 2024.
Introduction of new passenger cars and locomotives, an inspection of old trains, modernization of the signalling system, augmentation of new lines, improvement of train stations and level crossings, the establishment of control towers, and installation of inspection cameras are all part of the modernization plans.
Also Read: Egypt’s Light Rail Transit System to Become Operational in March 2022
Involvment of Korea in implementation of Luxor-high dam rail line modernization and other similar projects
In the presence of the two countries’ presidents, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and the Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt signed agreements regarding a loan from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund for the Luxor-high dam rail line modernization project during the former President of the Republic of Korea, Moon Jae-in’s visit to Egypt in January 2022.
Due to Korea’s technological prowess and the success of Korean companies in various cooperative initiatives such as the K-9 Self-propelled Howitzer project, the Cairo Metro project, and involvement in the Nag Hammadi-Luxor railway modernization project, it is expected that Korea will significantly play a part in Egypt’s overall railway infrastructure capabilities and safety through financial backing.
Additionally, Korea’s active engagement in Egypt’s transportation infrastructure will be a sign of future-oriented economic cooperation between the two countries, helping to improve the quality of life for Egyptians.
