Siemens Mobility has unveiled its Velaro high-speed train to the Egyptian public for the first time.

It revealed the train in the outdoor display area at the official opening of TransMEA 2025, the leading transport and logistics exhibition in the Middle East and Africa.

Velaro is a high-speed (up to 250 km/h) train that uses advanced technology and is specially adapted for the desert conditions in Egypt. It has 489 passenger seats.

Siemens’ Desiro HC regional train has completed its first run on the newly-built tracks near the 6th of October Depot, which is located to the west of Cairo.

It is to be commissioned for the Green Line, which is a 660km network which connects Cairo to Ain Sokhna, Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh. It is informally known as the ‘Suez Canal on Rails’.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed both of these railway milestones, along with Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El-Wazir, Siemens AG President and CEO Roland Busch, Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter, and other guests.

The Velaro forms part of the turnkey high-speed rail system that Egypt is implementing.

The train incorporates technologies which counter the effects of sand, heat and dust. This is supported by robust filtration systems and enhanced cooling.

The Desiro High-Capacity regional train is an important element of Egypt’s new high-speed rail network. The 94 trains that comprise the fleet are specially adapted for Egypt’s climate.

Each train provides spaces for up to 849 passengers, and includes features such as air conditioning, ETCS Level 2 train protection and wheelchair access. The trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Egypt’s high-speed rail project will have three lines, spanning over 2,000 kilometres, making it the sixth-largest high-speed network in the world.

It will connect all the country’s major cities and reach nearly 90% of the population. Its fleet comprises 41 Velaro high-speed trains, 94 Desiro High-Capacity regional trains, and 41 Vectron locomotives. Siemens won the contract to provide the trains in 2021.

Siemens Mobility also has a 15-year maintenance contract, including maintaining the fleet for Egypt’s high-speed rail network.

“The inaugural ride of the Desiro regional train and the arrival of the Velaro marks a defining moment in Egypt’s transport modernization strategy. This high-speed train project will help redefine passenger experience, reduce travel times, and boost connectivity between cities. It reflects our commitment to building a modern, safe, and sustainable rail network that serves our people and supports Egypt’s economic growth for generations to come.”

H.E. Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry