Spanish rail giant CAF has landed a major deal to modernize and maintain parts of Egypt’s Cairo Metro system. The contracts, worth over €450 million, involve upgrading trains on Line 2 and handling maintenance for Lines 1 and 2, boosting transport efficiency in one of Africa’s busiest cities.
Contract Details Revealed
CAF, based in the Basque Country of Spain, signed three agreements with Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels. These deals focus on revamping 39 train units on Line 2 and providing long-term upkeep for units on both Line 1 and Line 2.
The main work includes a full overhaul to extend the trains’ life by 20 years. This covers new traction systems, better brakes, passenger info screens, security cameras, and even Wi-Fi for riders. CAF will also upgrade a key workshop in Shubra to support these changes.
Maintenance plays a big role too. For Line 2’s 39 units, CAF handles full servicing for 10 years, starting right after upgrades. On Line 1, they take over upkeep for 23 units once current improvements wrap up.
Here are the key elements of the contracts:
- Modernization of 39 trains on Line 2.
- 10-year maintenance for those Line 2 trains.
- 10-year maintenance for 23 trains on Line 1.
Boost for Egypt’s Growing Metro Network
Egypt pushes hard to expand its transport setup, with Cairo’s metro at the center. The city already has over 90 stations, and plans call for 181 more across Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and the New Administrative Capital. Recent openings include six new stations in early 2024 and five more in May.
This CAF project fits into that growth. It aims to make rides safer, more comfortable, and reliable for millions of daily users. With Cairo’s population booming, better public transport cuts traffic jams and pollution.
The deals also highlight international ties. Spain funds part of it through its FIEM program, helping Spanish firms like CAF compete globally. Egypt sees this as a way to modernize while creating jobs in rail tech.
CAF’s Global Reach and Expertise
CAF stands out as a top player in rail systems worldwide. From its headquarters in Beasain, Gipuzkoa, it builds trains, trams, and metros for projects in over 40 countries. Past wins include high-speed lines in Saudi Arabia and metro upgrades in cities like Rome and Mexico City.
In Egypt, this is not CAF’s first ride. They started upgrading Line 1 trains back in 2021, showing a strong track record. The new contracts build on that, with a total value pushing CAF’s Egyptian portfolio past €1 billion.
Experts say CAF’s tech edge helps. Their systems improve energy use and cut downtime, key for busy networks like Cairo’s. This deal could open doors for more African projects as the continent invests in urban rail.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Value | Over €450 million |
| Trains Involved | 39 on Line 2 (modernization), 23 on Line 1 (maintenance) |
| Duration | 10 years for maintenance |
| Key Upgrades | Traction systems, brakes, Wi-Fi, CCTV, interiors |
| Funding Support | Spanish FIEM program |
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
These contracts mean big wins for jobs and tech transfer. In Egypt, local workers will train on advanced rail systems, building skills for future projects. For Spain, it strengthens exports in a vital sector.
Looking ahead, Egypt plans a new metro line under the pyramids, linking historic sites to downtown Cairo and the airport. At 40 km with 38 stations, it costs about $10 billion and could tie into CAF’s work.
Globally, rail demand rises with climate goals. CAF’s stock jumped after the announcement, reflecting investor confidence. As cities worldwide fight congestion, deals like this set trends for sustainable transport.
What do you think about this metro upgrade? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to friends interested in global business news.
