In an effort to modernise and upgrade the historic Alexandria Raml Tram, Hitachi Rail has secured a contract from the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture to transform the 19th-century system into a faster, more reliable and digitally enhanced urban transport corridor.
As the oldest tramline in the Middle East and Africa, the Alexandria El Raml Tram, dating back to 1863 still operates on ageing infrastructure and was last upgraded in the 1960s. It remains one of the few tramways worldwide to run double-deck trams in regular service. Under the new contract, Hitachi Rail will overhaul the full operational ecosystem. This includes delivering modern signalling and communications systems (fixed and wireless), a new operations control centre, SCADA systems, security networks with CCTV and access control, passenger information systems and on-board technology.
According to Hitachi Rail, these upgrades will significantly improve safety, reliability and efficiency in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable transport. The wider rehabilitation programme covers 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Once completed, the upgraded line will cut travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, double operating speeds from 11 km/h to 21 km/h and reduce headways from nine minutes to three. Passenger capacity is expected to triple from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction, supporting smoother urban mobility, reducing congestion and lowering emissions across Alexandria.
This project strengthens Hitachi Rail’s growing presence in Egypt’s metro and rail modernisation efforts. Earlier this year, the Hassan Allam–Arab Contractors JV signed the main contract for the Alexandria Raml Tram Rehabilitation Project with the National Authority for Tunnels. Joaquim Santos of Hitachi Rail’s Signalling and Rail Solutions division said the company’s commitment in Egypt extends beyond technology delivery. “We are deeply invested in developing local capabilities, supporting innovation and contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals,” noted Santos.
Hitachi Rail continues to expand its local operations through strategic localisation, digital innovation and workforce development. The company now has engineering, finance, legal and other teams operating in Egypt and CBTC systems include local IVVQ activities. Ongoing AFC initiatives are creating high-tech jobs and supporting diversity, while digital platforms such as integrated passenger information systems and AFC solutions enhance travel across metro, LRT and monorail networks.
In Alexandria, the Abu Qir Metro will feature TRANSCITY AFC technology with multiple payment options including QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards and NFC mobile payments. MEA Regional Director for Signalling and Rail Solutions,Carlo Piacenza said the new contract demonstrates Hitachi Rail’s ability to rehabilitate and modernise legacy tram systems. “We are proud to be entrusted with transforming the oldest electric tram system in Africa into a reliable, efficient and digitally enhanced transportation system,”concluded Piacenza.