Cairo Metro Line 1 Undergoes Comprehensive Overhaul With 55 New Trains

Cairo Metro Line 1 is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade that includes 55 new trains, the refurbishment of 23 existing trains, systems modernisation, a new station between Ezbet El Nakhl and El Marg, and a study to extend the line to Shebin El-Qanater. The development plan targets reduced platform crowding, improved operational efficiency, enhanced station safety measures, and lower maintenance and operating costs. A November 2021 contract with Alstom covers the design, manufacture, testing, entry-into-service and supply of 55 trains for Line 1, along with workshop equipment and eight years of maintenance over a 75‑month programme. The first new train from this order arrived on May 12th, 2025. In parallel, a November 2021 contract with CAF provides for the refurbishment of 23 trains originally delivered by Mitsubishi between 1994 and 2004, with a 65‑month delivery schedule and a 24‑month warranty for each train. On August 28th, 2024, a consortium led by Colas Rail was contracted to upgrade signalling, communications, centralised control, track, electromechanical and power systems on Line 1, targeting a design headway of 2.5 minutes instead of 4.5 minutes. Systra was appointed on October 31st, 2022, as consultant for supervision of implementation. Additionally, a November 10th, 2024 contract with Arab Contractors covers the upgrade of the Tora workshop that services Line 1 rolling stock. The head of the National Authority for Tunnels said preparations are under way for a new Sheikh Mansour station located midway between Ezbet El Nakhl and El Marg on Line 1, to serve a densely populated area and respond to local requests. The authority also stated that a study is under way to extend the line to Shebin al Qanater, with the prospective extension measuring 19 km. The scheduled timeframe to complete the outlined Line 1 works is between 2027 and 2030.