SYSTRA has secured a new contract in Egypt to carry out studies for planned extensions to the future metro line linking Alexandria with Aboukir on the Mediterranean coast.

The agreement forms part of a wider programme to convert an existing suburban railway corridor into a regional metro route.

The project is being overseen by Egypt’s National Tunnels Authority, which is leading the redevelopment of the historic line to improve passenger capacity and reduce congestion across the metropolitan area, where more than five million people live.

Construction and extension of the metro network are being delivered in stages. Phase 1, running 22 kilometres from Aboukir Station to Misr Station, is currently under construction. Further development is divided into several sections: Phase 2A from Kafr Abdo to Max (17.5 km), Phase 2B from Max to KM 21 (13.5 km), and Phase 3 from KM 21 to Burj Al Arab (20 km).

Under the new contract, the authority has tasked SYSTRA with preparing studies for Phases 2A and 2B, covering the route up to KM 21. The scope includes technical, economic, financial and environmental assessments, along with social, safety and health impact studies. These documents are intended to support applications for funding from international donors.

The assignment involves adapting an existing rail corridor to metro standards, including higher service frequency and updated infrastructure, with the aim of encouraging greater use of public transport.

The planned extensions are also intended to expand the line’s western reach toward the KM 21 district and the Ajami area, and to improve links toward Burj Al Arab Airport.

Contributing to a project to transform a suburban rail line into a modern, efficient, and high-frequency metro system presents a significant challenge for our experts, and we are eager to successfully complete our mission for our client, NAT. The modernisation of this metro line will encourage the use of public transportation and thus promote sustainable mobility.

SYSTRA previously took part in earlier feasibility work for Phase 1 of the Alexandria metro project, including support for tender preparation, contract structuring and bid evaluation. That phase remains under construction.