National Railways Authority Signs 25-Year Deal With Italian Firm

The Egyptian National Railways Authority (ENRA) has entered into a 25-year partnership with Italian company Salcef to modernise its railway infrastructure. The agreement sees the creation of a new joint venture, Salcef Track, which will specialise in railway construction, renovation and maintenance, employing advanced global equipment and technology.

The partnership is a core component of the Ministry of Transport’s five-axis plan to enhance the railway system, with a particular focus on track and infrastructure improvements to bolster safety and security. Under the agreement, Salcef Track aims to renovate 300 kilometres of railway tracks and 200 switches annually, targeting a total of 2,500 kilometres of tracks and 1,750 switches over the course of the partnership. The initiative also encompasses the construction of new railway lines and plans to expand operations into Africa and the Middle East.

The project aligns with government directives to collaborate with both local and international private sectors to deliver high-quality infrastructure projects. It also seeks to transfer expertise and train Ministry of Transport personnel on the latest global technologies. Modernised railway services are expected to significantly improve passenger and freight transportation, reduce road congestion, and enhance the role of the ENRA in the nation’s economic framework.

The agreement also supports the development of ministry-owned companies, including Airtrack and Egyfry, equipping them with modern machinery and increasing the participation of national private sector companies in railway projects.