Egyptian Transportation Minister, Ibrahim Al-Demairy, was recently cited by Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper, stating that the ministry is prepared to renew the first metro line in Egypt, which is now 13-years old.
The depreciable life of this metro amounts to 10 years, thus some of its components have already been corroded. The minister added that his ministry requires 350 million Egyptian pounds to purchase new rail cars and to renew the train terminals.
Al-Demairy revealed that the Japanese Mitsubishi Company and the Egyptian Simaf Company had signed a joint venture to manufacture rail cars. These rail cars will initially be directed towards domestic consumption, and at a later stage towards foreign markets.
The minister added that a similar agreement has been signed between the Egyptian Railways Authority and the Indian Railways Authority. — (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
