7 things you need to know about Egypt’s monorail project

Cairo is on the verge of a transportation revolution with the construction of a groundbreaking 97-kilometer monorail system, set to be the longest in the world. Designed to connect key urban and suburban areas, this ambitious project promises to transform mobility in one of the globe’s most congested cities. Here are seven key things you need to know about Egypt’s cutting-edge monorail system and its impact on the future of urban transit.

1. The World’s Longest Monorail
   Cairo’s upcoming monorail system will stretch 97 kilometers, making it the longest monorail system in the world. It’s designed to revolutionize urban mobility in one of the most populous cities globally.
2. Connecting Cairo to Key Areas
   The monorail consists of two main lines:
   • East Nile Line (EON): Spanning 54 kilometers, this line connects Cairo Stadium to the New Administrative Capital, which is expected to house 6.5 million residents.
   • West of Nile Line (WON): Running 43 kilometers, this line links the Zamalek district to 6th of October City, a hub of commercial and residential activity.

3. Strategic Design for Minimal Disruption
   The system’s guideway aligns with existing road medians and shoulders to avoid major highway crossings. Emergency walkways, cross-over bridges, and stairways enhance passenger safety, while a streamlined design minimizes disruptions to traffic during construction.

4. Massive Engineering Feat
   The monorail features over 3,300 precast concrete spans, 900 structures, 16 switches, and 35 stations. Two massive Operations, Maintenance, and Storage Facilities (OMSF) at each line’s endpoint support train upkeep and storage.
5. International Collaboration
   The project is a collaborative effort involving Egyptian firms like Orascom Construction Inc. and The Arab Contractors, along with global partners such as Alstom (formerly Bombardier) and Innova Transportation. Design work includes input from Sener and Shaker, with Innova leading structural innovations and coordination.

6. Fast-Paced Execution
   The project’s swift progress is notable. For example, 50 kilometers of the EON Line’s mainline structures were completed in just two years. Operational testing began in early 2024, with the first segment of the EON Line starting service in October.
7. Transforming Cairo’s Future

As Cairo prepares for a population surge, this monorail is more than a transport system; it’s a blueprint for modern urban development. It links Cairo to emerging cities, supports economic growth, and eases traffic congestion, making the Egyptian capital more sustainable and accessible.

This groundbreaking project not only addresses Cairo’s current transit challenges but also sets a benchmark for large-scale urban mobility projects worldwide.