The Egyptian National Railways (ENR) and Progress Rail have signed three long-term contracts for the modernisation of 100 EMD locomotives, along with the provision of technical services and parts support.
These three agreements, valued at a total of USD 235 million, cover a fleet of 141 locomotives to be modernised over a period of up to 15 years, with technical support provided for 10 years.
The contracts were signed in Cairo on 9 April 2025 by ENR Chairman, Mohamed Abdel Aziz Amer, and Progress Rail Executive Vice President for Locomotives, Jack Zhang. The signing ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al Wazir, and the United States Ambassador to Egypt, Mustafa Garg.
“These contracts are part of the Ministry’s plan to support the existing locomotive fleet, contributing to an increase in the number of journeys on railway lines, improving the quality of services offered, and meeting the growing demands of railway users. The modernisation will also enable a greater share of freight to be transported by rail, easing the burden on roads and boosting railway revenues, ultimately enhancing the overall service,” said the Minister of Transport.
Additionally, the upgrades will result in operational savings, with oil consumption expected to be reduced by 50% through the use of the latest engine technologies. Fuel consumption will also be reduced by more than 3% compared to current engine models, while carbon emissions will be improved. These upgrades will enhance the availability and reliability of the fleet, in collaboration with the National Authority for Railways of Egypt.
The EMD locomotives will benefit from new spare parts, reducing stockpiles in ENR’s warehouses, as obsolete components—no longer produced by manufacturers—are replaced. The project will also increase component commonality with the company’s EMD locomotive fleet.
“This locomotive modernisation programme will extend the useful life of existing assets by up to 20 years, while upgrading control and engine systems to achieve significant fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” said Progress Rail’s Executive Vice President for Locomotives.
The Minister of Industry and Transport also emphasised that the contracts aim to promote local industry and consolidate activities within the Egyptian Company for Railway Maintenance and Services (ERMAS), which is owned by the Egyptian National Authority for Railways. Key component modernisation, including traction motors and main generators, will be carried out at ERMAS facilities. The Minister further noted that, with this contract, Egypt has added 210 new locomotives to its railway network, while 99 locomotives from the existing fleet have already been rehabilitated in cooperation with leading international companies.
ENR operates the largest passenger and freight transport network in the region. As a global supplier with a strong track record in the Middle East, Progress Rail manufactures EMD locomotives designed to perform in extreme conditions, with continuous in-country support. Since the early 1950s, Progress Rail has powered or supplied the majority of ENR’s current operational fleet and aims to deepen this partnership through the newly signed contracts.
With the technical and project support provided by Progress Rail, the ENR workforce will expand its skill set and be equipped to maintain the locomotives efficiently in the long term.
A modernised locomotive incorporates advanced technologies and critical components into the existing structure. By reusing the car body and bogie frame, the project ensures significant cost savings compared to acquiring new locomotives, while maintaining comparable performance.
“This project will further strengthen our longstanding collaboration with ENR, supporting Egypt’s transportation capacity and creating job opportunities, while incorporating the latest technologies and components from the United States,” said Jack Zhang.
The modernisation of EMD locomotives is expected to significantly improve locomotive availability for ENR and increase overall network capacity.
Share on:
