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Press Release24 September 2024Siemens MobilityMunich
Siemens Mobility presents first Velaro high-speed train for Egypt at InnoTrans, Berlin
Michael Peter, Roland Busch, Kamel Al-Wazir, Volker Wissing. Photo source: Siemens Mobility
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, says: "The
presentation of the first Velaro high-speed train is a significant milestone as
we work to deliver sustainable rail travel for the Egyptian people. The Velaro is
one of the most advanced high-speed trains in the world, incorporating the
operational experience of over three billion kilometers. This Velaro will be
one of 41 high speed trains, 94 Desiro regional trains and 41 Vectrons to operate
in Egypt as part of creating the sixth largest high-speed network in the world."
The Velaro Egypt
The Velaro Egypt, an eight-car high-speed
train, is 200 meters long and boasts Business and Standard class compartments,
along with a restaurant carriage. The train is designed for comfort and has a
capacity of 481 passengers (479 seats + two wheelchair spaces), on-board internet
and power sockets. State-of-the-art displays provide passengers with live train
information throughout their journey. The Velaro Egypt is the latest generation
of the Velaro platform, drawn from the Velaro MS used by Deutsche Bahn in
Germany. It incorporates a distributed traction concept and is designed to
reach speeds up to 250km/h.
The train is designed for comfort and has a capacity of 481 passengers (479 seats + two wheelchair spaces), on-board internet and power sockets. State-of-the-art displays provide passengers with live train information throughout their journey. Photo source: Siemens Mobility
Built to withstand extreme climatic and sandy conditions
To withstand the unique environmental challenges in Egypt, such as high
temperatures, sand, and dust, the Velaro Egypt train has been equipped with
special features for maximum availability. Exterior gaps have been sealed using
covers, or brushes to minimize the ingress of sand and dust. Advanced filter
systems have been installed in the air guiding components to maintain clean
air, and the underfloor area's air flow has been optimized to prevent component
overheating. Newly developed spoilers and additional aerodynamic measures are
used to optimize air flow to prevent sand and dust from rising to the upper
areas or onto the roof at high speeds. Furthermore, the cooling capacity of the
air conditioning system has been increased, and air distribution has been
optimized to ensure optimal comfort for passengers.
To equip the entire rail network, Siemens Mobility will
deliver trains based on its proven product platforms. Currently, production is
in progress with five Velaro high-speed trains already built and tested, along
with five Desiro trains, one of which has been delivered to Cairo. Furthermore,
five Vectron locomotives are undergoing commissioning in Germany. In addition,
16 Desiro trains are currently in various stages of pre-assembly and assembly
in Germany.
Civil works on track
The Egyptian high-speed railway
project is making significant progress, starting with the first phase in Cairo.
The Green Line, which spans 660km from Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh via Cairo
and Alexandria has seen track laying, and train stations, and bridges under
construction by local contractors. Key milestones also include the installation
of the first four transformers and construction of two substations for the
electrified railway.
Construction efforts are primarily focused
on the stabling facilities at New Capital Station (East of Cairo), which is the
first of six and each will once completed accommodate on its eight tracks of
approximately 200m lengths three Velaro and seven Desiro trains and three
Vectron locomotives, and the Main Depot (West of Nile). This is the first depot,
which has seen extensive construction activities, including eleven million
cubic meters of soil cutting and 3.5 million cubic meters of backfilling. It
includes a stabling area with nine tracks, each approximately 670 meters in
length, capable of accommodating 11 Velaros, 15 Desiros, and 13 Vectrons. The
depot also features a sizable maintenance workshop measuring 260 by 260 meters,
a central control room overseeing all three lines, and training facilities
equipped with driving simulators. The stabling facility at New Capital Station
and the Main Depot will accommodate delivered trains by 2025.
The train is designed for comfort and has a capacity of 481 passengers (479 seats + two wheelchair spaces), on-board internet and power sockets. State-of-the-art displays provide passengers with live train information throughout their journey. Photo source: Siemens Mobility
Safely connecting people and goods across Egypt
Siemens Mobility, along with partners Orascom Construction
and The Arab Contractors, is leading the Egyptian high-speed railway project,
which aims to revolutionize rail transportation in Egypt. This ambitious
project involves building a 2,000-kilometer modern rail network connecting 60
cities. It will provide Egyptians access to a safe and reliable transportation
system while reducing carbon emissions by 70%.
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €10.5 billion and employed around 39,800 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility