The Egyptian government has revealed their plans to transform domestic and regional connectivity through a vast new high-speed rail network. The extensive four-line system will cover over 2,250km linking more than 80 cities at speeds of up to 250kph. This will drastically cut travel times across the country while also extending rail service to neighbouring nations.

The lines will include a 660km coastal route from Ain Sokhna through Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh near the Libyan border. A second 1,100km line will connect 6th of October City in the north to Abu Simbel in the south, enhancing connectivity to Sudan while developing Upper Egypt's governorates. The high-speed train hopes to halve the travel time between Cairo and Aswan.

The government recently received its first Siemens Desiro HC train, a double-decker train that will be able to accommodate 849 passengers while travelling up to 160kph. Additional models like the 250kph Velaro and 120kph Vectron freight train will also join the fleet.

As well as generating jobs and integrating different modes of travel, the high-speed network aims to link industrial and agricultural areas to ports and markets. This will support trade, tourism through diverse itineraries, and sustainable development.