In a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Planning’s headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, and Minister of Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, reviewed the government’s strategic investment plans for the transport sector in the fiscal year 2025/2026. The discussions underscored the significant role transportation plays in achieving Egypt’s long-term economic and sustainable development goals, with particular emphasis on environmentally conscious initiatives and enhancing the efficiency of key transport projects such as the Abu Qir Metro in Alexandria.
Aligning with Egypt Vision 2030 and Green Transformation Goals
Al-Mashat emphasized that the investment plan for the transport sector is integral to advancing the objectives of Egypt Vision 2030. She noted that the Ministry of Planning is preparing a comprehensive economic and social development strategy for the upcoming fiscal year, which will align with both the government’s work program and sector-specific strategies, including the Transport Development Strategy 2030.
A key component of the plan, Al-Mashat explained, is the ongoing transition towards a green economy. The government is committed to integrating climate change mitigation measures into sectoral policies, increasing the share of green investments. The aim is to boost the percentage of green public investments to 55% by FY 2025/2026.
Reinforcing the Strategic Importance of Transport for Economic and Social Development
Minister Al-Wazir, emphasizing the importance of the transport sector, highlighted its foundational role in facilitating economic and social growth. He pointed out that robust transportation infrastructure is critical for enhancing trade, facilitating movement, and driving the overall development of multiple sectors, including commerce, tourism, education, and healthcare.
Al-Wazir also acknowledged the political leadership’s unwavering focus on continuously developing the country’s transport network. He emphasized that under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s leadership, Egypt has made substantial progress in modernizing its transportation systems, spanning roads, bridges, railways, ports, and logistics hubs. The development of environmentally friendly, sustainable transport systems, including electric trains, green ports, and logistics corridors, is a testament to Egypt’s commitment to integrating sustainability into all facets of its infrastructure development.
Transforming Alexandria’s Transport Infrastructure: The Abu Qir Metro Project
A central topic of discussion during the meeting was the progress of the Abu Qir Metro project in Alexandria. The project, which is being financed by a range of international development partners, will play a pivotal role in transforming Alexandria’s urban mobility and contributing to its green economy transition. Al-Mashat reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the Abu Qir Metro project, part of Alexandria’s Green Cities program, continues on schedule.
The Abu Qir Metro, which will span 21.7 km from Abu Qir Railway Station to Misr Station, is designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, and contribute to cleaner air quality in Alexandria. The system will feature a combination of ground-level and elevated stations, with a total of 20 stations, 6 of which will be at ground level and 14 elevated. Once completed, the metro line will provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional modes of transportation and significantly reduce travel times across the city.
International Collaboration and Development Partner Engagement
The meeting also included representatives from key international development institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the French Development Agency, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. These organizations play a critical role in financing and supporting Egypt’s transportation infrastructure initiatives, including the Abu Qir Metro project.
Al-Mashat underscored the importance of continuing to coordinate with international partners to meet Egypt’s infrastructural needs and complete large-scale projects such as the Abu Qir Metro. She emphasized that such collaborations are vital to meeting the country’s environmental sustainability objectives, fostering economic growth, and advancing green transport solutions.
Metro Modernization: Enhancing Capacity and Reducing Congestion
The Abu Qir Metro project will provide significant improvements in Alexandria’s transportation system. Upon completion, the metro line will increase passenger capacity from 2,850 to 60,000 passengers per hour, allowing for more efficient travel. The project will reduce journey times from 50 minutes to 25 minutes, with operating speeds increasing from 25 km/h to 100 km/h. Additionally, the new system will drastically reduce interchange times, from 10 minutes to just 2.5 minutes, improving overall connectivity and passenger convenience.
The project will not only enhance the city’s transport capacity but also contribute to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with Egypt’s green economy goals. By providing an environmentally friendly alternative to private car use, the metro will help mitigate traffic congestion and improve air quality in Alexandria, making it an integral part of the city’s sustainable urban development.
A Strategic Step Towards Egypt’s Sustainable Future
Both Al-Mashat and Al-Wazir concluded the meeting with a reaffirmed commitment to advancing the transport sector’s development, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and green transformation. The progress made in transport infrastructure, including key projects like the Abu Qir Metro, will be central to Egypt’s economic development plans for the coming years, with the transport sector poised to play a pivotal role in driving the nation’s growth, enhancing its competitiveness, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Egypt’s commitment to green and sustainable infrastructure projects, coupled with strong international partnerships, positions the country as a leader in regional development. The continued expansion of modern transportation networks is crucial to achieving Egypt’s broader environmental and economic objectives, ensuring a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.
