In a major step toward transforming national transportation, Egypt has unveiled its first high-speed train, marking a new era of modern rail travel in the country.
According to newsweek.com, the Siemens Mobility-built Velaro train was presented to government officials and the public, alongside the successful test run of the Desiro High-Capacity regional train, which will soon connect Cairo with key cities including Alexandria and Ain Sokhna.
Why It Matters
Both of these achievements are key milestones for Egypt as it positions itself as a leader in modern transport infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.
The Desiro HC, and eventually the Velaro high-speed train, will open up new travel opportunities for millions of people and businesses in Egypt, allowing them to move between major cities more quickly and efficiently. Siemens expects the high-speed rail network to reach nearly 90 percent of the population.
What to Know
At the TransMEA 2025 exhibition in Cairo, Siemens Mobility revealed the Velaro high-speed train to the public and Egyptian officials, including Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El-Wazir.
The Velaro train—which can carry 489 passengers—can travel up to 250 km/h (about 155 mph) and has been specifically designed and built to handle Egypt’s hot, sandy desert conditions. It’s part of Egypt’s high-speed rail project, which will span over 2,000 kilometers (a little over 1,200 miles) over three lines, connecting all the major cities in Egypt. Once it’s ready, it’s expected to become the sixth-largest high-speed network in the world, according to Siemens.
On the same day the Velaro train was revealed, the Desiro HC regional train (also built by Siemens) completed its first test journey on newly built tracks near the 6th of October Depot, west of Cairo. This train will operate on a new 660-kilometer (410-mile) route called the Green Line, which will link Cairo with cities like Alexandria and Ain Sokhna. The line has been dubbed the “Suez Canal on Rails” because of how important it will be for transportation in Egypt.
Siemens has committed to a 15-year maintenance plan, covering 41 Velaro high-speed trains, 94 Desiro HC regional trains, and 41 Vectron locomotives.
What People Are Saying
Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s transport minister, stated, “The inaugural ride of the Desiro regional train and the arrival of the Velaro marks a defining moment in Egypt’s transport modernisation strategy. This high-speed train project will help redefine passenger experience, reduce travel times, and boost connectivity between cities.”
Roland Busch, Siemens AG president and CEO, said, “We are witnessing the future of mobility in Egypt take shape. The public debut of our Velaro high-speed train at TransMEA and the first train run of the Desiro regional train are powerful symbols of progress and partnership.”
What Happens Next
Following the public unveiling of the Velaro high-speed train and the successful test run of the Desiro HC regional train, attention will now shift to a broader rollout.
