Sisi: Necessity of focusing on logistics and transport projects to enhance Arab and African commercial and economic integration

Cairo - Khadija Hamouda: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stressed the importance of focusing on logistics projects and various transportation initiatives to enhance commercial and economic integration, including with Arab and African countries.

This came during a meeting held by President el-Sisi yesterday in Alamein with Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister; Major General Kamal al-Wazir, the Minister of Transport; and Lieutenant General Amir Sayed Ahmed, the President’s Advisor for Urban Planning.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, stated that President el-Sisi reviewed the implementation status of the development projects for the New Safaga Port, Damietta Port, the New Alexandria Port, and the New Sokhna Port. In this regard, the President directed the strict adherence to the scheduled timelines for completing each of these projects while observing the highest quality standards.

The official spokesperson noted that the meeting also reviewed efforts to develop various means of transport aimed at supporting intra-trade, enhancing the efficiency of maritime and land links, and facilitating the movement of people and goods, thereby strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional trade hub.

In this context, President el-Sisi reiterated the necessity of prioritizing logistics projects and diverse transportation schemes to bolster commercial and economic integration, particularly with Arab and African nations.

The spokesperson added that the meeting also discussed developments in the implementation of the Electric Railway project, the East/West Nile Monorail, as well as updates on the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project on the Ring Road.

In this regard, Major General Kamal al-Wazir indicated that the trial operation of the first line of the Electric Railway network (El-Sokhna - Alamein - Matrouh) will begin in September 2026, with the trial period lasting six months.

The Minister also presented the economic feasibility of the second and third lines of the network, along with their implementation status, emphasizing their importance in linking modern agricultural development zones with consumption areas and export ports, as well as connecting tourist regions. He further highlighted the significant role of these two lines in redistributing the population and creating new development axes.

Regarding the East and West Nile Monorail project, the Minister of Transport pointed out that the East Nile Monorail, upon its opening, will contribute to reducing travel time between Greater Cairo, New Cairo, and the New Administrative Capital, while providing a civilized and safe transport service in accordance with the highest global standards.

As for the West Nile Monorail project, which extends from October City to the Wadi El-Nile Station in Mohandessin, covering a length of 43.8 km with 13 stations, the Minister clarified that it will commence next year, 2027.

Regarding the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the Minister noted that it is ready for operation, serving the most densely populated areas. In this regard, President el-Sisi emphasized the importance of expediting the completion of sustainable green public transport projects, given their role as a cornerstone for urban, industrial, and tourism development.

The official spokesperson further mentioned that the meeting reviewed the maintenance and efficiency improvement plan for several road and bridge projects in Egypt. The Minister presented the implementation status of the Western Desert Road (Giza - Abu Simbel) and the status of the Aswan-Berenice road duplication project, which extends 327 km to link Upper Egypt governorates with the Red Sea coast, ultimately extending development axes to the Siwa Plateau.

He affirmed that this project is one of the comprehensive strategic horizontal axes that the state prioritizes, as it connects the Nile Valley with border crossings and Red Sea ports.

The Minister also outlined interventions undertaken to address traffic congestion on the October Bridge through a comprehensive maintenance and efficiency improvement plan. This initiative aims to resolve traffic gridlock issues and rehabilitate the bridge’s structural elements following the emergence of problems in the pavement layers and joints in several of its sectors.

In this framework, President el-Sisi stressed the necessity of completing all aforementioned projects according to the specified schedules, adhering to the highest quality standards, and within the shortest possible timeframe.