Greater Cairo Metro Line 3 has transitioned from final construction to an operational growth phase as Egypt continues to improve the east‑west rapid transit corridor. Originally completed in 2024, spanning roughly 17.7 kilometres with 15 stations from Attaba to Cairo University, the line now serves key population and commercial centers across Greater Cairo, improving connectivity in one of Africa’s largest urban agglomerations. The ongoing enhancements and system testing reflect how the line supports daily mobility and complements other network upgrades such as the Cairo Metro Line 2 Upgrade prequalification program, which opened bidding in early 2026 to rehabilitate that core artery.

Metro Line 3’s final phase has been integrated into the broader network, increasing capacity and operational reliability. Since the last stations opened, the route carries an estimated 1.5 million passengers per day while supporting network resilience as Cairo expands transit options.

System Completion and Recent Operational Enhancements

Following the completion of Phase 3C in May 2024, which added five new stations from Kit Kat to Cairo University, the entire third phase of Line 3 has entered full operation under an extended schedule. The advanced signaling systems installed across the route allow headways to be managed efficiently, and urban operators now benefit from technologies that improve average speed and commuter throughput.

The line’s integration with existing network segments and other transit modes, such as the capital’s BRT and planned monorail connections, increases the utility of Line 3 as both a commuter and strategic urban mobility spine in Egypt’s megacity. Additionally, trial operations led by international partners have reinforced system reliability while ensuring that citizens experience consistent service levels.

Operational adjustments continue as RATP Dev manages daily service delivery. Transit planners have targeted further increases in operational hours and passenger capacity following performance evaluations from 2025 data.

Strategic Role in Cairo’s Urban Transit Framework

Metro Line 3’s completion significantly affects urban development across Giza and Cairo. By connecting densely populated residential districts such as Imbaba with business and educational hubs, the line alleviates surface traffic and stimulates commercial activity along the corridor.

The line also complements Cairo Metro Line 2 Upgrade efforts, a separate but linked project focusing on modernizing a north‑south artery that intersects Line 3 at key transfer points. The interplay between these projects enhances network connectivity and integrates multiple service layers within the city’s transit fabric.

Moreover, the ongoing operational data collection and performance optimization studies undertaken in 2025 and early 2026 are informing future expansion phases, including proposals to extend Line 3 further east and west to meet long‑term urban mobility goals.

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Funding and total cost of the Cairo Metro line 3 Project

The French company RATP Dev is responsible for operating line 3, which was built with 600 million euros in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

According to the national tunnel authority, the capacity of the metro lines “is expected to reach 15 million passengers per month after the completion and commissioning of 3C,”. Cairo is currently the second most populous metropolis on the continent, after Lagos, with close to 20 million residents.

This is an illustration of the city’s significant mobility issues. Which inspired the start of a significant investment program in rail transportation in 2014. With the goal of making it the primary mode of mass transportation.

In 2015, Alstom was granted two contracts totaling US$88 million. In order to provide infrastructure and the signaling system. For the continuing phase 4A construction works on the Cairo metro 3 line.

Project Fact Sheet: Cairo Metro Line 3 (Final Section)

Project Name: Cairo Metro Line 3 – Phase 3 Final Section

Location: Greater Cairo, Egypt

Length: ~17.7 km

Stations: 15

Route: Attaba – Rod El Farag Axis – Cairo University

Project Type: Urban metro rail expansion

Status: Testing phase (pre-commissioning)

Target Completion: First half of 2024

Funding: ~€600 million (EIB contribution)

Operator: RATP Dev

Implementing Authority: National Authority for Tunnels

Project Team: Cairo Metro Line 3

Owner / Client

• National Authority for Tunnels
• Government Authority
• Ministry of Transport Egypt

Operator: RATP Dev

Financier / Sponsor: European Investment Bank

Main Contractors (Consortium)

• VINCI Construction Grands Projets
• Bouygues Travaux Publics
• Orascom Construction
• Arab Contractors
• Systems Contractor
• Alstom