Contract to deliver the Alexandria tram rail systems of the first modern tramway in Egypt
Hitachi Rail has been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors JV to modernize and upgrade the Alexandria Raml Tram transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transport system.
To enhance both reliability and operational efficiency, Hitachi Rail will deliver advanced signalling and communications systems (fixed and wireless communications), Operational Control Center and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition-SCADA, security systems with CCTV cameras and Access Control, Passenger Information and On-Board equipment.
Oldest tramline
Being the oldest tramline in both the Middle East & Africa, Alexandria El Raml Tram dates back to 1863, operates on aging infrastructure and was last modernized in the 1960s. Remarkably, it remains one of the few tramways in the world to run double-deck trams in regular service
The project encompasses the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Its modernization is designed to significantly improve service efficiency by reducing travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, doubling operational speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and decreasing headway from 9 minutes to just 3.
Once completed, the upgraded tramline is expected to triple passenger capacity from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction, contributing to enhanced urban mobility while alleviating traffic congestion and lowering carbon dioxide emissions across the city.
Investment
Hitachi Rail continues to invest in Egypt through strategic localization and digital innovation. Local teams have been built across engineering, finance, legal and other disciplines to deliver projects and support customers.
“Our commitment goes beyond delivering advanced technologies, we are deeply invested in developing local capabilities, supporting innovation, and contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals,” remarked Joaquim Santos, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) OPPS–ICS.
“This contract marks an important milestone, showing the capacity of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernization of tramway systems,” commented Carlo Piacenza, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) MEA Regional Director.
