The long-awaited Alexandria Raml Tram rehabilitation project is one step closer to getting off the ground with the infrastructure works for the project awarded to a JV between local infrastructure and construction leader Hassan Allam Construction and the state-owned Arab Contractors by the National Authority for Tunnels, the Hassan Allam Holding subsidiary said in a statement (pdf). No details about the value of the project or when construction will begin were given.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

The 13.2 km line will get a full overhaul, including the construction of a modern maintenance depot, elevated viaducts at busy intersections, and upgrades to 24 stations. The route will span at-grade, elevated, and underground sections, connecting Victoria Station to El Raml and integrating with the planned Alexandria Metro at Victoria and Sidi Gaber stations, according to a separate statement by the Transport Ministry.

The wide-ranging project will nearly double the tram’s new operational speed to 21 km/h, and headways will drop from nine minutes to three, allowing the line to handle up to 13.8k passengers per hour per direction — nearly triple its current capacity of 4.7k. The project also aims to reduce congestion, ease traffic flows, and cut emissions in Egypt’s second-most populous city.

What they said: “This project represents a significant milestone in the modernization of Egypt’s public transportation infrastructure. Revitalizing the historic Raml Tram will not only improve urban mobility in Alexandria but also preserve a vital piece of the city’s cultural identity. We are proud to play a role in delivering sustainable infrastructure that supports national development goal,” said Hassan Allam Holding CEO Hassan Allam.

Tags: