An agency of Egypt’s Ministry of Transport, has picked a joint venture comprising Bombardier, and a partnership of Egyptian contractors Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors, as the preferred bidder for the North African country’s first two monorail lines. The National Authority for Tunnels expects the lines to ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution and save travelers energy and time.
In addition, the JV will operate and maintain the two monorails, which have a combined distance of 96 kilometers with a total 33 stations. Their combined estimated construction cost is $4.5 Billion (USD).
The first monorail line will run 54 km from the Stadium station at the existing Cairo Metro Line 3 to Egypt's new administrative capital. Construction on this line, with 21 stations, was initially slated to commence in August, 2019.
The second monorail line, which runs for 42 km with 12 stations, connects Gameat El Dewal station, also on the Cairo Metro Line 3, to 6 October City in Giza governorate. Construction of this line is scheduled for January 2020.
Trains on both lines will have capacity to transport 45,000 passengers every hour in each direction when ultimate capacity is reached. The trains will move at speeds of 80 km/h, with travel times on the 54-km monorail is expected to be one hour while trains on the 42-km monorail will travel between Boulak station and the High-Speed Railway station within 42 minutes.
Montreal-based multinational manufacturer Bombardier said it will design, supply and install the electrical and mechanical equipment. The contract includes 70 four-car INNOVIA Monorail 300 trains (280 cars), CITYFLO 650 signaling and automatic train control technology, operation controls, communication systems, platform screen doors and fare collection, power supply / power distribution systems as well as switch beams and depot equipment.
Bombardier also said it will “provide the overall E&M system integration, project management, systems engineering and integration, test and commissioning for the trains and signaling as well as operations and maintenance of the vehicles and wayside systems.” Bombardier’s share of the contract is valued at $2.85 billion (USD).
Egyptian construction companies Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors will be responsible for the design and building of all infrastructure and civil works, including stations, guideway structures and new depot buildings with a contract value of $900 million (USD).
“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,” said Danny Di Perna, President of Bombardier Transportation in statement early August. “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,” he added.
