Hitachi Rail has secured a contract to deliver the rail systems and digital technologies that will modernise and upgrade the Alexandria Raml Tram – the first modern tramway project of its kind in Egypt. The contract was awarded by the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture and will significantly improve speed, capacity and reliability on one of the world’s oldest continuously operating tram systems.
The Alexandria El Raml Tram is the oldest tramline in the Middle East and Africa, dating back to 1863. Despite its age and limited modernisation since the 1960s, it remains one of the few tramways globally to operate double-deck vehicles in regular service. The new contract marks a major step in the line’s transformation.
Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will supply advanced signalling and communications systems, a modern Operational Control Centre, SCADA, CCTV and access control, passenger information systems, and on-board equipment. Together, these systems will help deliver a faster, safer and more efficient public transport service aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable mobility.
Faster journeys and tripled capacity
The modernisation programme includes the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of track. Once completed, the new system will:
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reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes
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double operational speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h
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cut headways from 9 minutes to 3 minutes
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increase capacity from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction
This capacity boost will ease congestion, support modal shift and reduce CO₂ emissions while improving daily mobility across Alexandria.
Strengthening Hitachi Rail’s regional footprint
The El Raml Tram upgrade represents a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail’s growing presence in Egypt’s rail and metro sector. The company is already involved in key national programmes, including the Greater Cairo metro network, the LRT and monorail systems, and AFC modernisation initiatives.
Hitachi Rail continues to expand its local footprint through engineering, financial, legal and operational teams established in Egypt. The company has increased localisation of IVVQ activities for CBTC systems and developed automated fare collection (AFC) projects that promote high-tech employment and diversity. These align with Egypt’s industrial and economic development priorities.
Digital passenger information and multimodal payment systems are becoming central to Hitachi Rail’s offering in the region. For example, the upcoming Abu Qir Metro in Alexandria will integrate TRANSCITY™ AFC, enabling payments via QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards and NFC mobile devices.
“The contract will see us modernize and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. The project underlines the capabilities of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernization of tramway systems,” Carlo Piacenza, SRS MEA Regional Director, Hitachi Rail, said.
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