ALEXANDRIA, November 2025 — The historic Alexandria El Raml Tram, the oldest tramline in the Middle East and Africa, is undergoing a significant modernization by Hitachi Rail. This project aims to transform the 1863-established system into a reliable, efficient, and digitally advanced transport network, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development.

The upgrade encompasses the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Hitachi Rail will implement state-of-the-art signaling and communication systems, an Operational Control Centre, SCADA systems, and security infrastructure including CCTV and on-board technologies. These enhancements are projected to reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, double operating speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and decrease headway from 9 to 3 minutes.

Upon completion, the modernized tramline is expected to triple passenger capacity, from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction. This will significantly improve urban mobility in Alexandria, alleviate traffic congestion, and contribute to lower CO2 emissions. The project also marks a key milestone for Hitachi Rail, further solidifying its presence in the region's metro and railway systems.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram, last modernized in the 1960s, is notable for still operating double-deck trams in regular service. This extensive upgrade addresses its aging infrastructure and aims to create a fast, secure, and efficient public transport system.

This comprehensive modernization effort by Hitachi Rail not only revitalizes a historic transport artery but also demonstrates a commitment to technological advancement and sustainable urban development in Egypt, reinforcing the company's role as a key player in regional rail infrastructure.

Source: Gulf Business