DB International Operations (DB IO) will assume responsibility for operations and maintenance of the network’s Green Line as part of a long-term operator contract. This 660 kilometer line will connect Mersa Matruh on the Mediterranean to Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea via Cairo and Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
The new rail link will benefit not only major cities, but smaller municipalities and suburbs as well. The project will help increase social mobility, create new economic opportunities for local companies and improve access to jobs, health and educational facilities. Freight transport between the ports and the interior of the country will also be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
German rail expertise is a hot commodity around the world
DB International Operations is continuing its international growth strategy with the planned project in Egypt. Following project wins in Uruguay and India, the project is the next major step in the international expansion of the DB E.C.O. Group’s operator and maintenance portfolio.
DB IO will take over the operation of infrastructure and vehicles for high-speed, regional and freight transport and maintenance for stations and depots with its local partner Elsewedy Electric. Siemens Mobility is already responsible for building the rail infrastructure and delivering the trains, which will create a variety of opportunities for technological cooperation and sharing innovative approaches to operations and design.
Big benefits for society and the environment
Egypt is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. According to forecasts, the population will grow from 105 million to around 160 million by 2050. The new high-capacity rail system will play a crucial role in the sustainable expansion of public transport infrastructure and will serve as a regional flagship project for an eco-friendly modal shift in passenger and freight transport.
Rail operations are set to begin in the coming years, and when that happens, around 30 million people will see their travel time cut by half or more. The project is also intended to improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% since electrified rail uses more renewable energy sources than bus, car and non-electrified rail transport.
Editor’s note: This article was updated in October 2025.
