Egypt: El-Sisi Sets September 2026 Trial Start for First High-Speed Rail Line

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reviewed progress on a series of strategic port and transport projects on 2 August 2026, directing officials to complete them on schedule and to the highest quality standards, according to Egypt's State Information Service and Daily News Egypt.

On the high-speed electric rail network, officials said trial operations on Line 1 -- connecting Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea with New Alamein and Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean -- are scheduled to begin in September 2026 and run for six months. Lines 2 and 3 are planned to link newly reclaimed agricultural areas, industrial centres and export ports.

The review also covered the East Nile Monorail, expected to cut journey times between Greater Cairo, New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital, and the West Nile Monorail, a 43.8 km line with 13 stations running from 6th of October City to Wadi El-Nil station in Mohandessin, targeted for operation in 2027. The second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit system on Cairo's Ring Road was reported ready for operation.

El-Sisi instructed officials to ensure all transport projects are completed within their planned timelines while maintaining the highest construction, operational and safety standards. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al-Wazir.