At the official opening of TransMEA 2025 in Cairo, Siemens Mobility presented Egypt’s new Velaro high-speed train to the public for the first time and announced the first run of the Desiro HC regional train on the newly built line near the 6th of October Depot in Cairo.
"The inaugural ride of the Desiro regional train and the arrival of the Velaro marks a defining moment in Egypt’s transport modernization strategy," said Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir. "It will redefine passenger experience, reduce travel times, and enhance connectivity between cities, supporting Egypt’s economic development for generations to come."
The Velaro high-speed train, designed specifically for Egypt’s harsh desert conditions, reaches speeds of up to 250 km/h and accommodates 489 passengers. Built using advanced digital twin tools from Altair, it features enhanced cooling, robust filtration, and sand-resistant components to ensure durability and passenger comfort in extreme climates.
Egypt is currently developing the world’s sixth-largest high-speed rail network, a 2,000-kilometre system that will connect Cairo, Ain Sokhna, Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, and other major cities. Once complete, the three-line network will serve nearly 90% of Egypt’s population, cutting travel times by half and boosting sustainable economic growth.
"Egypt’s high-speed rail network will transform mobility for millions," said Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG. "With the Velaro and Desiro trains now in operation, we are witnessing the future of sustainable transportation take shape — connecting people, cities, and opportunities across the country."
Meanwhile, the Desiro HC fleet — 94 units in total — will provide regional services at speeds up to 160 km/h, offering 849 passenger spaces per train, air conditioning, ETCS Level 2 signalling, and full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
Siemens Mobility’s turnkey project, delivered in partnership with Arab Contractors and Orascom Construction, also includes 41 Vectron locomotives and a 15-year maintenance commitment covering the entire fleet.
