Hitachi Rail Egypt: Alexandria Tram Modernization Boosts Rail Capacity

Introduction

Hitachi Rail has been awarded a contract by the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture to modernize the Alexandria Raml Tram system in Egypt, the oldest tramline in the Middle East and Africa. The project aims to significantly improve speed, capacity, and reliability.

Project Scope and Objectives

The project involves the modernization and upgrade of the Alexandria Raml Tram, which dates back to 1863. Hitachi Rail will supply the rail systems and digital technologies. The upgrade includes the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of track.

Technology and Systems

Hitachi Rail will provide advanced signalling and communications systems, a modern Operational Control Centre, SCADA, CCTV and access control, passenger information systems, and on-board equipment. Digital passenger information and multimodal payment systems are also planned. The upcoming Abu Qir Metro in Alexandria will integrate TRANSCITY™ AFC, enabling payments via QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards and NFC mobile devices.

Performance Improvements

Once completed, the modernization is expected to reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, double operational speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, cut headways from 9 minutes to 3 minutes, and increase capacity from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction.

Hitachi Rail’s Presence in Egypt

This project marks a significant step for Hitachi Rail’s growing presence in Egypt’s rail and metro sector. The company is already involved in key national programs, including the Greater Cairo metro network, the LRT and monorail systems, and AFC modernization initiatives. Hitachi Rail continues to expand its local footprint through engineering, financial, legal and operational teams established in Egypt. The company has increased localisation of IVVQ activities for CBTC systems and developed automated fare collection (AFC) projects that promote high-tech employment and diversity.

Conclusion

The contract will see Hitachi Rail modernize and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. The project underlines the capabilities of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernization of tramway systems.

Company Summary

Hitachi Rail: Hitachi Rail has secured a contract to deliver the rail systems and digital technologies that will modernise and upgrade the Alexandria Raml Tram.

Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors: A joint venture that awarded the contract to Hitachi Rail.

Technology

SCADA: Systems for control and data acquisition.

CCTV: Closed-circuit television.

CBTC: Communication-Based Train Control.

AFC: Automated fare collection.

TRANSCITY™ AFC: Automated fare collection system.