A consortium of Siemens Mobility, Arab Contractors, and Orascom Construction has been chosen for a rail-line project in Egypt, local reports have said.
Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels has chosen the consortium to design, install and maintain the rail line, said the reports.
The multi-billion-dollar project is expected to link Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Alexandria and Mersa Matruh on the Mediterranean, which are about 660km apart, when completed.
Arab Contractors and Orascom’s turnkey contract is worth $4.5 billion, said the reports.
It is said to include the construction of track works, signaling, telecoms systems, and power substations, as well as 15 years of subsequent maintenance.
Siemens Mobility’s share is worth $3 billion, and reportedly involves providing high-speed and regional trains, locomotives, rail infrastructure, and related services.
The line is expected to be capable of transporting 30 million people each year, cutting some travel times in half.
Orascom estimates that the project will create 15,000 direct jobs.