The European Investment Bank has announced a EUR 2.7 million funding for two railway projects in Egypt comprising the modernisation of Tanta – Damietta line and the renewal of Cairo metro Line 2.
The Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation (MOIC) and the European Investment Bank signed a cooperation agreement for the provision of a EUR 1.5 million grant for Tanta – El Mansoura – Damietta railway project.
The financing will support the feasibility study including an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the project which will improve railways safety, availability and reliability of a vital rail corridor through the Nile Delta.
The EIB will fund the modernisation works for the 118 km line which includes track-doubling works for 65 km between El Mansoura and Damietta, the installation of new signalling systems on the whole line and railway stations’ improvement. In addition, a freight yard and a freight link to Damietta port are expected to be constructed under the project.
The line is part of a railway corridor linking Cairo to one of the major Egyptian Mediterranean ports, Damietta, and contributes to the improvement of the Egyptian railway network.
“The current upgrade of Tanta – EL Mansoura – Damietta railway goes in line of the EU policy which aims at improving living standards of millions of Egyptian commuters using this important artery through the implementation of an enhanced quality and safe transport system,” said Ivan Surkoš, Ambassador of the EU to Egypt.
A EUR 1.2 million agreement signed with Egyptian National Authority for Tunnels will fund the feasibility study for the renewal of Cairo second metro line. The study will define and describe the upgrade and renewal of the Line 2 systems, including infrastructure and rolling stock, necessary to meet the capacity and passenger demands of the coming years. It will also support the extension of the life expectancy of the system for 25 more years.
The advisory services will mobilise consultants to do a survey of the current state of all systems and structures of line 2 of the Cairo metro network, and then prepare a functional design and tender documentation to allow the National Tunnel Authority to start procurement of the works.
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