Africa’s First Monorail Enters Commercial Service as Alstom Supports Egypt’s Vision for Smarter Urban Transport

The Innovia monorail system delivers a fast, reliable and low-emission alternative to road transport across Greater Cairo

(IN BRIEF) Alstom and its project partners have begun commercial operations on the first section of the East of Nile Monorail, introducing Africa’s first monorail system to Greater Cairo. The 56-kilometre network links East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital and currently operates 16 of its planned 22 stations. Designed to reduce traffic congestion and provide a low-emission public transport alternative, the fully driverless Innovia monorail system is capable of transporting up to 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The project significantly shortens travel times between key districts while introducing advanced rail technologies, including CBTC GoA4 signalling and platform screen doors, both firsts for Africa’s monorail sector. Local Egyptian engineering teams played a major role in testing and commissioning the system, with more than 98 percent of the workforce sourced within Egypt. The project forms part of Egypt’s broader Vision 2030 strategy aimed at creating smarter, more sustainable urban infrastructure and improving transportation connectivity across the rapidly growing capital region.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 7-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Alstom, together with construction partners Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors, has officially launched commercial operations for the first operational section of the East of Nile Monorail in Egypt, introducing Africa’s first monorail system and marking a major step forward in the transformation of urban mobility across Greater Cairo. The large-scale transit project is designed to provide commuters with a faster, more reliable and environmentally sustainable alternative to heavily congested road networks in one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities.

Stretching more than 56 kilometres and featuring 22 stations, the East of Nile Monorail connects East Cairo with the New Administrative Capital, supporting Egypt’s wider ambitions to modernise transportation infrastructure and create more efficient urban connections between residential communities, commercial centres and government districts. At the current stage, 16 stations are already open for commercial passenger service, with the remaining stations expected to follow as the project progresses.

The fully electric Innovia monorail system has been developed to address increasing transportation demand generated by Cairo’s rapidly expanding population, which now approaches 25 million residents. Designed with an ultimate capacity of up to 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction, the network is expected to significantly ease pressure on existing road traffic while reducing emissions associated with private vehicle use and conventional urban transportation.

Officials highlighted the project’s direct impact on travel efficiency, noting that commuting times between El Moshir Tantawi station and Justice City station have been reduced from approximately one hour and twenty minutes by road to around forty minutes using the monorail system. The reduction in journey times is expected to improve daily commuting conditions for thousands of passengers travelling between key districts in the Egyptian capital.

The East of Nile Monorail also introduces several technological milestones for Africa’s rail sector. The line operates using fully driverless CBTC GoA4 signalling technology, allowing trains to run automatically with enhanced precision, reliability and operational safety. In another first for the continent, the project incorporates platform screen doors at stations, improving passenger security and station management while contributing to overall service efficiency.

While the Innovia monorail vehicles were manufactured at Alstom’s production facility in Derby in the United Kingdom, local engineering teams in Egypt carried out testing and commissioning activities, reinforcing the country’s growing technical expertise in advanced rail systems. According to the company, more than 98 percent of the project workforce was sourced locally, underlining the role of Egyptian engineers and specialists in delivering the landmark infrastructure programme.

Martin Vaujour, President for Africa, Middle East and Central Asia at Alstom, described the project as a transformative achievement not only for Egypt but also for the wider African continent, emphasising its role in supporting large-scale urban mobility while promoting more sustainable transport solutions. Ramy Salah El Din, Managing Director of Alstom Egypt, stated that the monorail represents a major milestone in Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy focused on smart, sustainable and future-ready urban development.

Alstom has maintained operations in Egypt for more than four decades and currently employs around 800 people in the country. The company has expanded its local capabilities through specialised expertise in signalling systems, power supply technologies and depot equipment, supporting both domestic rail projects and transportation programmes across the Africa, Middle East and Central Asia region.

Alstom in Egypt
Alstom has been present in the country for more than 40 years, supporting the development and modernisation of rail infrastructure through landmark transport projects. Today, Alstom employs around 800 people locally and has established strong operational and engineering capabilities, including recognised centres of excellence in signalling, power supply, and depot equipment. These capabilities support complex rail programmes nationally and across the AMECA region, reflecting a deeply embedded, long term commitment and a solid industrial and technological footprint in the rail sector.

ALSTOM™ and Innovia™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

About Alstom
Alstom is the pure rail leader, committed to making rail the backbone of sustainable transport. We design and deliver a complete range of future-ready solutions – from high-speed and regional trains to metros, monorails, trams, turnkey systems, end-to-end services, infrastructure, signalling and digital rail solutions.With 86,000 people in 63 countries, Alstom brings together global expertise and local knowhow to make every journey smarter, cleaner and more enjoyable. Together with our partners and customers, we realise the power of rail. Listed in France, Alstom generated revenues of €18.5 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025.

For more information, please visit www.alstom.com

Press contact  

HQ
Coralie COLLET – Tel.: +33 (0) 7 63 63 09 62
coralie.collet@alstomgroup.com

Africa, Middle East and Central Asia Region (AMECA)
AMECA Communications VP
Souade BEKHTI – Tel.: +971 56 9954576
souade.bekhti@alstomgroup.com

Cluster Communications Director
Clare ASHAMALLAH – Tel.: +20 128 812 3195
clare.ashmallah@alstomgroup.com

Saudi & Egypt Communications Manager
Mariam SALAH – Tel.: +201126371226
mariam.salah@alstomgroup.com

SOURCE: ALSTOM