Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir stressed the need to expedite work on the Sinai Development Train project, including bridges and stations, while adhering to the highest quality standards and technical specifications and intensifying efforts in line with established timetables.The project is part of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s directives to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in Sinai.El-Wazir made the remarks during an expanded meeting with a number of members of the House of Representatives representing North Sinai Governorate to review progress on the rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of the railway line linking Ferdan, East Port Said, Bir Al-Abd, Al-Arish and Taba, with a total length of about 500 km, focusing on the 83-km section between Bir al-Abd and Al-Arish.
Work on this section includes earth embankments and the construction of seven stations serving villages, residential communities and vital areas along the route. Discussions also covered the construction of a 12-km railway link to Al-Arish Port, which will enable cargo to be transported directly to and from the port via the national railway network, as well as a railway connection to the cement factory.
The project also includes the necessary civil engineering works, such as grade-separated crossings, railway bridges and tunnels, to ensure safe and efficient connectivity between different modes of transport. El-Wazir invited national companies and specialized construction contractors from Sinai to participate in the major national project, helping create jobs for residents of the governorate, expand their involvement in major development projects and ensure that local communities directly benefit from investments in Sinai.
He noted that the approximately 500-km railway line is a key component of the integrated Al-Arish-Taba international development and logistics corridor, one of eight corridors being implemented by the Egyptian government through the Ministry of Transport to strengthen Egypt’s integration into international transport corridors.
The corridor aims to connect production areas with seaports, boost passenger and freight transport, and link residential, industrial and mining communities to the national railway network. The project represents a major transformation in Sinai’s transport system, facilitating passenger movement, serving new urban communities and opening up investment opportunities in industry, mining, agriculture and tourism.
It is also expected to reduce freight transport costs, enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian exports and strengthen connectivity between Mediterranean and Red Sea ports, supporting Egypt’s integration into international trade and logistics corridors. El-Wazir also stressed the importance of expediting the completion of a planned industrial logistics zone in the hinterland of Arish Port, as directed by President Sisi.
The zone will accommodate 1,000 factories and is expected to drive major industrial development in North Sinai. House speaker mourns death of MP Saad el Gammal Egypt's economy grows 5.1% despite regional tensions House speaker mourns death of MP Saad el Gammal Egypt's economy grows 5.1% despite regional tensions