Egypt, renowned for its ancient wonders like the pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings, has long been a bucket-list destination for travelers worldwide. However, behind this image of rich cultural heritage lies a significant problem that threatens not only the safety of locals but also the viability of the country’s tourism sector: the fragile state of Egypt’s railway infrastructure.
While Egypt boasts one of the oldest railway systems in the world, having launched its first lines in the mid-19th century, the system today is in dire need of modernization. The country’s rail network, once a symbol of advancement, has fallen victim to years of under investment, neglect, and mismanagement, leading to frequent accidents. This decaying infrastructure now poses a substantial threat to Egypt’s tourism industry, a vital sector for its economy. A comprehensive examination of Egypt’s railway system reveals why these infrastructural problems could cause a sharp decline in tourism, impacting the country’s image, economy, and international standing.
The modernization of Egypt’s railway system is not only crucial for improving domestic transportation but also plays a key role in enhancing the country’s tourism sector. As Egypt is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical and cultural sites, the efficient movement of tourists between these locations is vital for the sector’s success. By upgrading rail networks, introducing new high-speed trains, and improving safety standards, Egypt is positioning itself to accommodate growing tourism demand while providing a modern, comfortable experience for international visitors.
Between 2014 and 2024, the Egyptian government has invested approximately LE142 billion ($4.6 billion) to revamp its railway infrastructure. This significant investment includes the purchase of new railcars, engines, and advanced signaling systems, in addition to the renovation of train stations across the country. Some key projects include the introduction of Talgo luxury trains, which run between major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, offering modern amenities and ensuring a smooth ride for both locals and tourists. The introduction of a high-speed railway network, a first for Egypt, has further elevated the country’s standing as a major travel destination. Siemens Mobility is spearheading the project, which will cover over 2,000 kilometers, connecting cities like El Alamein, Ain Sokhna, and Cairo. The high-speed rail network not only promises faster travel times but also provides a sustainable alternative, cutting carbon emissions by 70% compared to road transportation. This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in Egypt’s tourism industry by offering faster and more efficient access to key tourist destinations.
Egypt’s railway system has historically served as a backbone for domestic travel, with routes connecting major cities and tourist hubs such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria. The ongoing modernization will greatly enhance accessibility to these locations, particularly for tourists who rely on rail services to explore the country’s rich heritage. Key routes like the Luxor-Aswan line, which passes through major archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple, have been updated with improved control systems, electronic signaling, and faster trains. This is critical for tourist safety and convenience, allowing them to visit these ancient sites without the worry of delays or accidents.
## The Impact on Tourism
Here’s how the modernization of Egypt’s railway system is expected to impact tourism:
*
High-Speed Rail Network:
Faster travel between major cities (e.g., Cairo, El Alamein, Ain Sokhna), increasing tourist mobility.*
Luxor-Aswan Line Upgrade:
Safer and quicker travel to major historical sites like Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.*
Talgo Luxury Trains:
Modern, comfortable travel experience for tourists visiting Alexandria and other key cities.*
Improved Signaling Systems:
Enhanced safety for both tourists and locals, reducing the risk of accidents and delays.*
New Tourist-Focused Routes:
Introduction of routes to emerging tourist destinations, promoting tourism beyond traditional locations.## Beyond Tourism: Addressing Larger Challenges
Rail transport plays a significant role in Egypt’s economy, with an expansive network moving 1.4 million passengers daily and logging approximately 270 million passengers annually before the pandemic. The Egyptian railway system covers 10,000 kilometers, largely concentrated in the Nile Delta and along the Nile River, facilitating connectivity between major cities like Cairo and Luxor, as well as smaller towns.
However, despite its importance, the railway industry struggles with critical issues such as safety and freight inefficiencies.
One of the most significant challenges is passenger safety. Egypt’s rail system has a high density of usage, but outdated infrastructure and signaling systems contribute to frequent accidents. To address this, the World Bank is stepping in to provide substantial financial support. A $440 million loan is targeted at improving safety and service quality, particularly along the high-traffic Alexandria-Cairo-Nag Hammadi corridor. This investment aims to modernize signaling, tracks, and other infrastructure to prevent accidents and enhance the passenger experience.
Freight transport presents another major challenge. Despite the potential for rail to be a more efficient and environmentally friendly option, Egypt’s railways currently move only 1.9% of the country’s freight, with trucks dominating at 96%. This imbalance leads to clogged roads, pollution, and inefficiencies in logistics. Rail capacity constraints—especially on key routes like the one connecting Alexandria’s seaport to the 6th of October dry port—limit the ability to move goods via rail. Freight trains are often limited to only three trips per direction per day, further straining the system.
The World Bank’s two-pronged financial support addresses both passenger safety and freight logistics. In addition to the $440 million loan for passenger services, another $400 million is allocated to boost rail logistics. A key initiative within this project is creating a railway bypass around Greater Cairo, which will relieve congestion in the network by separating passenger and freight services. This is expected to greatly improve the system’s efficiency and reliability.
One of the most transformative aspects of this project is the introduction of private operators into the freight rail sector. Currently, the Egyptian National Railways (ENR) holds a monopoly over freight operations. However, the new system will allow private operators to use the tracks for a toll paid to ENR, which will open up the market, increase competition, and boost freight capacity. These reforms are expected to address inefficiencies in Egypt’s rail logistics and reduce delays in moving goods across the country.
Moving freight from road to rail offers significant environmental benefits. Transport emissions have surged by 75% between 2005 and 2019, contributing to increased air pollution—a major issue in the Middle East and North Africa region. By modernizing rail logistics and increasing its share of freight transport, Egypt can cut emissions and reduce road congestion. This is especially critical as transport emissions are a major contributor to air pollution, which results in an estimated 270,000 premature deaths annually across the region.
## A New Era of Rail Transport: The Light Rail Transit System
Egypt’s first electrified Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, jointly built by Chinese and Egyptian companies, started its trial run on Sunday, with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi taking the inaugural ride. This marks a significant step for both Egypt and Africa as the continent’s first electrified LRT system. The project reflects the broader vision of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has enabled Chinese companies to contribute to various infrastructure projects worldwide, including Egypt.
The LRT project is hailed as a success under the BRI, which aims to improve infrastructure and boost economic connectivity across participating countries. Chinese companies, such as China Railway Group and AVIC International Holding Corp, spearheaded the project, delivering a state-of-the-art railway system that will benefit both Egypt and the African continent. This project follows other major Chinese-backed infrastructure initiatives, such as the Karot Hydropower Plant in Pakistan and the Padma Bridge in Bangladesh, reflecting China’s growing global presence in infrastructure development.
The LRT system connects Egypt’s New Administrative Capital (NAC) with key cities and districts, including El-Salam City, 10th of Ramadan City, El-Obour City, and others. The NAC is a megacity under construction, located 45 kilometers east of Cairo, intended to decongest the capital and serve as Egypt’s new political and administrative hub. The electrified LRT is designed to support the NAC’s growth by providing an efficient, environmentally friendly mode of transportation, easing traffic, and offering reliable commuting options to 5 million residents. It will play a critical role in connecting Egypt’s old urban centers with its newly planned cities, thereby boosting the local economy.
Built with an investment of $1.24 billion, the LRT system consists of 22 trains operating along the first phase of the project. The LRT has a daily transport capacity of 360,000 passengers. According to Egypt’s transport minister, this project will not only provide a crucial service to commuters but also boost industrialization and the overall economy in eastern Egypt. The project aligns with Egypt’s vision of modernizing its infrastructure and improving public transport systems while also cutting down carbon emissions. By offering a reliable alternative to road transport, the LRT will reduce fuel consumption, offering a cost-effective solution to Egyptian residents and helping mitigate the impact of rising global fuel prices.
## China’s Role in Africa’s Infrastructure
China’s involvement in Africa’s infrastructure is well-documented, and the Egyptian LRT project is part of China’s larger portfolio of railway projects on the continent. Chinese companies have built other significant railways in Africa, such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway. China’s expertise in railway construction is increasingly sought after due to its high efficiency, lower costs, and technological advancements. Experts believe that China’s railway technologies and construction capabilities are setting new standards in Africa.
As Liao Liqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, pointed out, the LRT project is a significant cooperative venture under the BRI, symbolizing the robust partnership between China and Egypt. While the project reflects technological success, experts like Zhao Jian from Beijing Jiaotong University also warn of potential financial challenges for operators managing these sophisticated systems.
## The Impact on Tourism
Tourism plays a crucial role in Egypt’s economy, accounting for approximately 12% of its GDP. The sector directly employs millions of Egyptians and indirectly supports many more through associated industries like transportation, hospitality, and retail. Millions of visitors flock to Egypt each year to experience its historical monuments, cruise along the Nile, and enjoy its bustling cities like Cairo and Alexandria.
However, a country’s tourism industry is closely tied to the safety, efficiency, and reliability of its transportation infrastructure—areas where Egypt is increasingly faltering.
Egypt’s tourism industry is one of the country’s key economic pillars, contributing significantly to its GDP. With world-renowned attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor, Egypt draws millions of tourists annually. In 2019, Egypt welcomed around 13 million visitors, marking a peak year for the sector after a period of decline caused by political unrest and instability post-2011. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 severely impacted Egypt’s tourism, with arrivals plummeting to 3.5 million. The government has since focused on revitalizing the sector by improving infrastructure, promoting new destinations, and investing in digital marketing campaigns. Efforts such as the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world, are expected to further boost Egypt’s tourism appeal.
Recent years have seen a recovery in tourism, with an estimated 14.9 million visitors in 2023. Egypt’s tourism industry is not only vital for the economy but also for preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.
In recent years, transportation—particularly railway travel—has become an area of concern for both locals and tourists. While air travel remains the most popular means for international visitors to reach Egypt, many tourists also rely on trains to explore the country’s vast and diverse landscapes. Domestic travel is common among those visiting cities like Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria, where taking the train offers a more affordable, scenic option.
However, with the frequent train accidents and derailments making headlines, many potential visitors are beginning to question whether train travel in Egypt is worth the risk.
## A History of Accidents and Neglect
Egypt’s railway system, one of the oldest in the world, has suffered from decades of neglect, underinvestment, and poor management, leading to numerous fatal accidents. Here’s a table summarizing some of the most notable train accidents in Egypt over the years:
| Date | Location | Casualties | Details |
|————–|—————–|—————–|——————————————————————————————————————————————————————|
| February 20, 2002 | El Ayyat | 383+ dead | A train traveling from Cairo to Luxor caught fire due to a gas cylinder explosion, destroying seven carriages |
| August 11, 2017 | Alexandria | 41 dead, 179 injured | Two passenger trains collided near Alexandria |
| February 27, 2019 | Ramses Station, Cairo | 25 dead, 50 injured | A train crashed into a barrier, causing a major explosion and fire at the busy Ramses Station |
| March 26, 2021 | Sohag | 18 dead, 200 injured | A train collided with another, causing a fatal rear-end crash |
| April 18, 2021 | Toukh, Qalyubiyya | 23 dead, 139 injured | Four carriages derailed during a journey from Cairo to Mansoura |
| March 7, 2023 | Qalyub | 2 dead, 16 injured | A passenger train derailed and crashed into a station platform |
Egypt’s rail network is one of the oldest and largest in Africa, with over 5,000 kilometers of track stretching across the country. Despite its early start and widespread reach, the infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing demands of the modern era. The primary issues include outdated trains, deteriorating tracks, faulty signaling systems, and poor maintenance protocols.
The Egyptian government has acknowledged the need for reform and investment in the railway system. In 2018, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi publicly stated that the country required 250 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately $8.13 billion) to overhaul the entire network. This massive sum, however, reflects the severity of the problem—decades of underfunding and mismanagement have left the railway system teetering on the edge of collapse.
## The Cost of Inaction
Frequent train accidents have become an alarming regularity in Egypt. In March 2021, a collision between two passenger trains in Sohag left 32 dead and 165 injured. Other incidents, such as the Ramses Station explosion in Cairo in 2019, which killed 25 people, have shocked the nation and the world. These tragic events have not only highlighted the precarious state of Egypt’s railway system but have also raised serious concerns about safety standards and accountability.
Egypt’s tourism industry relies heavily on a positive international reputation and the perception of safety for its visitors. Unfortunately, the string of railway accidents has cast a dark shadow over the country’s image. Tourists, particularly those from Europe and North America, are acutely aware of travel advisories and safety warnings issued by their governments. A fragile railway infrastructure that frequently makes global news for deadly accidents is bound to deter potential visitors from considering Egypt as a vacation destination.
Many tourists opt for train travel in Egypt, especially for journeys between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, where the rail offers a more affordable and picturesque alternative to flying. However, with the growing concerns about safety, tourists are likely to reconsider their options, either choosing more expensive alternatives such as flights or avoiding Egypt altogether. This shift could lead to a decline in domestic tourism, which is a critical aspect of the country’s travel ecosystem.
A decline in tourism would have serious repercussions for Egypt’s economy. As previously mentioned, tourism is one of Egypt’s largest sources of revenue, and any substantial drop in visitor numbers could lead to a significant reduction in foreign exchange reserves. This would, in turn, create a ripple effect across industries, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transportation providers.
Railway travel itself is a key part of the tourism value chain. It connects major cities and facilitates access to some of Egypt’s most iconic sites. Should train travel become an increasingly unattractive option due to safety concerns, fewer tourists may venture outside Cairo or beyond the major tourist hubs. As a result, destinations like Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea region could see a reduction in visitor numbers, harming local economies that depend on tourism dollars.
## A Path to Recovery
To its credit, the Egyptian government has recognized the gravity of the situation and has taken steps to address the issues within its railway system. Several initiatives have been launched in recent years to modernize the country’s railways, including the procurement of new trains, upgrading tracks, and implementing advanced signaling systems. International partnerships, such as deals with global railway companies, aim to bring Egypt’s infrastructure in line with international safety standards.
However, these efforts have been slow to yield tangible results. The vast scale of Egypt’s railway network, combined with the years of neglect, means that the overhaul is likely to take decades. While the government has secured funding for some projects, it is still a far cry from the comprehensive overhaul that President el-Sissi mentioned in 2018.
In the meantime, Egypt continues to face a public relations challenge. Every railway accident that occurs not only endangers lives but also risks further damaging the country’s tourism sector. The government’s inability to ensure the safety of its trains undermines efforts to promote Egypt as a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.
For Egypt, balancing its economic reliance on tourism with the urgent need for infrastructure reform is a daunting task. While tourism is crucial to the country’s economy, so too is ensuring the safety and well-being of both locals and visitors. Without significant improvements to the railway system, the country risks losing its foothold in the global tourism market.
Investing in infrastructure, improving safety protocols, and ensuring proper maintenance of the rail network must be top priorities for Egypt in the coming years. In parallel, the government needs to restore confidence in train travel among both locals and tourists. This could involve launching public awareness campaigns, offering transparent updates on infrastructure improvements, and implementing stricter regulations to prevent accidents.
Ultimately, Egypt’s fragile railway infrastructure poses a serious risk not only to the safety of its citizens but also to its tourism industry. Without swift and effective action, the country could see a sharp decline in visitor numbers, further compounding its economic challenges. To safeguard its future as a world-class tourist destination, Egypt must prioritize the modernization of its railways before it’s too late.
