Siemens Egypt High-Speed Rail: Velaro & Desiro HC Innovations

Introduction

Siemens has introduced the Velaro high-speed train for Egypt, designed to operate at speeds up to 250 km/h and accommodate up to 489 passengers. The unveiling of the Velaro and the maiden run of the Desiro HC regional train mark key developments in Egypt’s transport modernisation strategy.

Velaro High-Speed Train

Siemens Mobility introduced the Velaro high-speed train to the Egyptian public at TransMEA 2025 in Cairo. The Velaro is designed to handle desert conditions, featuring specialised filtration and cooling systems to manage sand, heat, and dust. Siemens used Altair’s advanced tools to optimise the Velaro train’s design.

Desiro HC Regional Train

The Siemens Mobility-built Desiro HC regional train completed its maiden run near the 6th of October Depot, west of Cairo. The train is slated for commissioning on the Green Line, a 660 km network connecting Cairo with Ain Sokhna, Alexandria, and Marsa Matrouh. The Desiro HC can reach speeds up to 160 km/h.

Project Details and Network Expansion

The high-speed rail network is being developed by Siemens Mobility in collaboration with Arab Contractors and Orascom Construction. The introduction of 94 Desiro High-Capacity regional trains is expected to increase network capacity, with each train accommodating up to 849 passengers. These trains include air conditioning, ETCS Level 2 signalling protection, and wheelchair access. Egypt’s high-speed rail project includes three lines totalling over 2,000 km, aiming to connect major urban centres and reach nearly 90% of the national population. Upon completion, this system is expected to become the sixth-largest high-speed rail network globally by length.

Maintenance and Future Developments

Siemens Mobility has committed to a 15-year maintenance agreement covering all rolling stock supplied for Egypt’s new network, including 41 Velaro high-speed trains, 94 Desiro High-Capacity regional trains, and 41 Vectron locomotives. Recently, Siemens Mobility unveiled its newest regional train models for S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland at Germany’s Wegberg-Wildenrath Test Centre.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Velaro high-speed train and the Desiro HC regional train signifies a major step in Egypt’s transport modernisation, enhancing passenger experience and connectivity across the country. Siemens is providing the rolling stock and maintenance for a network spanning over 2,000 km, which is intended to become one of the largest high-speed rail networks globally.

Company Summary

Altair: A company that provides advanced tools used by Siemens to enhance the digital twin, optimizing the Velaro train’s design.

Arab Contractors: A company collaborating with Siemens Mobility on the high-speed rail network development in Egypt.

Orascom Construction: A company collaborating with Siemens Mobility on the high-speed rail network development in Egypt.

Siemens: The parent company of Siemens Mobility.

Siemens Mobility: The company that developed the Velaro high-speed train and Desiro HC regional train, and is involved in the development and maintenance of Egypt’s new high-speed rail network.

Technology

ETCS Level 2: European Train Control System Level 2 is a signalling protection system used on the Desiro HC regional trains.