Thales, a global technology giant in the aerospace and transport sector, has been awarded a three-year contract by Egypt National Railways (ENR), for the modernisation of signalling and telecommunication systems, and all the works related to a 180km section of line between the towns of Asyut and Nagh Hammadi in Upper Egypt, part of the Alexandria-Cairo-Aswan rail corridor.
The project is completely financed by the World Bank and is part of a plan promoted by the Ministry of Transport that aims to revamp Egypt’s railway infrastructure. Once complete, the project will improve traffic safety and security, allowing trains to travel at speeds of up to 160kmph, as opposed to the current 120kmph.
As a result, traffic volumes are expected to double, while passenger and goods transport capacity will also increase across the railway line, which links the North and South of the country.
In a statement, Thales said that the modernisation will work together with the existing ATP system (Automatic Train Protection) and a future European Train Control System (ETCS).
According to the contract, Thales will help in the installation of leading-edge electronic interlocking systems, besides implementing an integrated signalling and communication system that will improve railway security and safety, while also allowing trains to increase their speeds.
The system will also have full protection of signalling and telecommunication systems against cyberattacks to ensure safety and system availability, the statement added.
This is Thales second contract in Egypt in this domain, following the awarding of a contract in 2013 to modernise the line connecting Alexandria and Cairo.