Bombardier to Build $4.5bln Cairo Monorail

Canadian manufacturing group Bombardier announced it had signed a multi-billion dollar agreement to build two automated monorail lines in Egypt’s capital Cairo.

According to a press statement, Orascom Construction, Bombardier Transportation, and Arab Contractors signed an agreement with the National Authority for Tunnels in Cairo to design and build the monorail lines.

On completion of the construction phase, the consortium will be responsible for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of both lines for 30 years.

The total value of the design, build and O&M contract exceeds $4.5 billion US (4.1 billion euro). Bombardier Transportation´s share is $2.85 billion US (2.6 billion euro). Orascom Construction’s share of the overall contract is close to $900 million US. The agreement is subject to final signatures of supplementary documents.

Danny Di Perna, President of Bombardier Transportation, said:  “To be selected as the monorail system supplier in Egypt is a great privilege and our fully-automated monorail system is the smart mobility solution for Cairo’s urban future.”

He added: “Our INNOVIA Monorail 300 technology has proved to be a game changer in the industry, as it allows fast construction of high capacity transit lines at lower costs. With its advanced technology, unmatched safety features and attractive aerodynamic design, this proven platform will dramatically improve the quality of life for millions of residents by significantly reducing their daily commuting time as well as reducing traffic congestion and its impact on the city.”

This project supports Cairo and Egypt to enable fast, sustainable comfortable and above all safe transportation for millions of people every year in the dynamic Cairo metropolitan area.

The first monorail line will extend 54 km from East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital. The second line will be 42 km long to connect 6th October City to Giza. These are the first mass transit links to connect Greater Cairo with New Capital City and 6 October City and will greatly improve mobility for Egyptian citizens.

The two lines will be able to transport around 45,000 passenger per hour in each direction when ultimate capacity is reached. With operating speeds upto 80 km/h, the journey time for the new Capital City will be around 60 minutes (for 54 km line) and around 42 minutes for 6 October City (42 km line).

Orascom Construction will design and build all infrastructure and civil works, including stations, guideway structures and new depot buildings.