Minister of Transport: Comprehensive plan and unprecedented investments to develop railways
Cairo – Ahmed Sabri: Minister of Transport, Eng. Kamal al-Wazir, affirmed that there is a comprehensive plan to develop the railway system, with unprecedented investments being implemented in its assets to support its financial resources and ensure continuous development of the services provided.
This statement was made during a speech at an extensive meeting held by the Minister the day before yesterday at the Warden Training Institute headquarters. The meeting was attended by Eng. Wajdi Radwan, Deputy Minister for Electric Traction and Railways; Eng. Mohamed Amer, Chairman of the Egyptian National Railways Authority; a large number of train drivers undergoing training at the institute; officials responsible for track renewal and maintenance; and technicians maintaining rolling stock units.
The Ministry of Transport stated that the meeting is part of a series of periodic meetings held by the Minister with various operational cadres of the Egyptian National Railways Authority, to monitor work progress, support efforts to develop the railway system, and listen to employees’ proposals, working to implement those that contribute to enhancing performance and service levels.
During the meeting, the Minister explained that the Ministry has established a comprehensive plan to develop the railway system, focusing on six main pillars: developing rolling stock; updating infrastructure elements such as tracks, stations, and level crossings; completing the development of signaling systems; modernizing workshops; and qualifying and training human resources, which constitute the fundamental pillar for the system’s success, alongside the financial and administrative restructuring of the Authority.
He emphasized the necessity of basing the railway work system on round-the-clock operations, productivity, transparency, strict discipline, adherence to operational regulations, and safety procedures. He affirmed that the Ministry applies a reward and punishment principle across all job levels, with absolutely no tolerance for any violations related to safety and security elements.
The Minister also confirmed the continuation of training and qualification programs for all operational cadres, with a focus on practical training to improve drivers’ efficiency and train them on speed regulation when entering stations on all lines.
He stressed the need for full and precise adherence to safety procedures and standards, intensifying preventive maintenance using the latest track maintenance machinery, and continuing periodic and surprise inspections by technical inspection teams around the clock to monitor the technical condition of tracks, signals, and switches, ensuring their readiness and operational efficiency. He affirmed that no locomotive would leave the workshops unless its technical fitness was fully verified, thereby achieving the highest safety standards and regular train operations.
He highlighted the importance of fostering teamwork and taking all measures that contribute to increasing the Authority’s revenues and rationalizing expenditures. He pointed to the implementation of a comprehensive plan to maximize the utilization and optimal investment of the Authority’s assets and properties, as well as collecting all dues owed to the Authority. He noted that unprecedented investments are being implemented in railway assets to support their financial resources and achieve sustainability in the services provided.
