Fri Dec 26 15:40:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Egypt’s ‘Suez Canal on Rails’ Project Makes Strides, Aims to Transform Transportation
CAIRO, EGYPT – December 24, 2025 – Construction is well underway on Egypt’s ambitious high-speed rail network, a project designed to revolutionize transportation and boost economic growth across the country. The centerpiece of this initiative is the “Green Line,” a roughly 600-kilometer high-speed rail line connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, often referred to as the “Suez Canal on Rails.”
Under a $4.5 billion contract, a consortium including German firm Siemens is laying tracks in the desert east of Cairo, marking significant progress on the project. This Green Line, expected to be completed by 2027 or 2028, forms the backbone of a larger 2,000-kilometer network designed to connect seaports, industrial and agricultural zones, logistics hubs, and new urban communities.
“The Green Line is a game-changer for Egypt,” says Tarek Goueili, head of Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels. “It will not only reduce travel times and cut carbon dioxide emissions but also support sustainable economic growth by efficiently moving goods and people across the country.”
Authorities anticipate that the revamped rail network will carry approximately 15 million tonnes of cargo annually, representing about 3% of last year’s Suez Canal transit volume. The Green Line directly links Egypt’s Red Sea port of Ain Sokhna with the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh. This corridor is intended to supplement, not replace, the existing Suez Canal, which remains a vital source of revenue for Egypt, handling roughly 12% of global shipping.
Siemens Mobility is providing the Desiro High‑Capacity (HC) passenger train for the project, which has already completed its first test run on the newly built tracks near Cairo. The Green Line will combine high-speed passenger services, regional trains, and cargo trains, offering a comprehensive transportation solution.
“Together with our partners, we are proud to help build Egypt’s new high-speed rail network,” said Siemens CEO Roland Busch in November. “Connecting millions of Egyptian people across the country and transforming mobility for generations to come.”
In addition to the Green Line, Egypt has plans for two more lines: the Blue Line along the Nile from Cairo to Aswan, and the Red Line linking Hurghada and Safaga to Luxor. The Egyptian government envisions the entire network solidifying Egypt’s position as a key trade hub and driving economic prosperity.
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