Bombardier Transportation, Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors have signed an agreement with National Authority for Tunnels in Cairo to design and build two new monorail lines in Egypt.

 On completion of the construction phase, the consortium will be responsible for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of both lines for 30 years.

 The total value of the design, build and O&M contract exceeds $4.5 billion. Bombardier Transportation’s share is $2.85 billion and Orascom Construction’s share of the overall contract is close to $900 million. The agreement is subject to final signatures of supplementary documents.

 Orascom Construction will design and build all infrastructure and civil works, including stations, guideway structures and new depot buildings.

Bombardier will design, supply and install the electrical and mechanical (E&M) equipment for the two lines including 70 four-car Bombardier Innovia Monorail 300 trains (280 cars), Bombardier Cityflo 650 signalling and automatic train control technology, the operation control centre, communication systems, platform screen doors and fare collection, power supply/distribution systems as well as switch beams and depot equipment.

 It will also provide the overall E&M system integration, project management, systems engineering and integration, test and commissioning for the trains and signalling as well as operations and maintenance of the vehicles and wayside systems.

 Danny Di Perna, president of Bombardier Transportation, says: “To be selected as the monorail system supplier in Egypt is a great privilege and our fully-automated monorail system is the smart mobility solution for Cairo’s urban future.”

 He adds: “Our Innovia Monorail 300 technology has proved to be a game changer in the industry, as it allows fast construction of high-capacity transit lines at lower costs. With its advanced technology, unmatched safety features and attractive aerodynamic design, this proven platform will dramatically improve the quality of life for millions of residents by significantly reducing their daily commuting time as well as reducing traffic congestion and its impact on the city.”

 Osama Bishai, chief executive officer of Orascom Construction, comments: “We continue to play an integral role in the development of Egypt’s infrastructure, and are proud to be part of this prestigious project to build mass transportation across Cairo, the New Administrative Capital, Giza and 6th of October City..”

 The first monorail line will extend 54 km from East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital. The second line will be 42 km long connecting 6th October City to Giza.

 These first mass transit links to connect Greater Cairo with New Capital City and 6 October City will greatly improve mobility for Egyptian citizens. The two lines will be able to transport around 45,000 passenger per hour in each direction when ultimate capacity is reached.