Alstom begins operation of Cairo Monorail
French company Alstom has commenced commercial operation on parts of Cairo's new monorail network. The project aims to improve transport links and reduce congestion.
French transport manufacturer Alstom has started commercial operations on a segment of Cairo's new monorail system. In May 2026, 16 stations opened for service on the 57-kilometer line connecting the New Administrative City to East Cairo, marking Africa's first monorail system.
The project intends to enhance connectivity across the Greater Cairo region, alleviate traffic congestion, and mitigate environmental impacts. Alstom, in a consortium with Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors, signed a contract in August 2019 for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the two lines over 30 years.
A total of two monorail lines are being constructed in Cairo. The second line will link West of Nile to Giza and span 42 kilometers. Upon completion, the system is designed to carry 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction on both lines.
The Innovia™ 300 monorail units supplied by Alstom are equipped with the Cityflo™ 650 communications-based train control solution. The trains were manufactured at Alstom's facility in Derby, UK. The system's slender guideways are designed for easy integration into urban environments.