7 months ago
Alexandria's Historic Tramway Faces Shutdown for Overhaul
The historic Alexandria tramway, which has been running for over 150 years, is going to be shut down for a big renovation.
The old trams will be replaced with a new, faster, and more efficient light rail system.
This is part of a larger plan to improve transportation in Egypt.
Some people are excited about the changes because it will make the trip faster and carry more passengers.
However, others are sad because the old trams are a big part of the city's history and culture.
They worry that the construction might cause traffic problems and that the new system might be more expensive.
The project is expected to take about two years and cost a lot of money, with help from international organizations.
The historic Alexandria tramway, known as the Raml line, is set to shut down for a major renovation starting next week.
The nearly 14-kilometer (9-mile) line will be replaced with a digitally controlled light rail system as part of a broader push to revamp Egypt’s road and rail networks.
The renovation is expected to double the current speed and boost passenger capacity, cutting end-to-end travel time by over half an hour.
While some commuters welcome the renovation, others worry about construction-related congestion, potential ticket price increases, and the loss of a beloved historic feature.
The project is funded by the European Investment Bank and France’s development agency, with a total cost of about 592 million euros ($708 million).
- Who
- Authorities in Alexandria, Egypt, including the National Authority for Tunnels
- What
- Shutdown and renovation of the historic Alexandria tramway
- Where
- Alexandria, Egypt
- When
- Starting next week
- Why
- To replace the worn trams with a digitally controlled light rail system as part of a broader push to revamp Egypt’s road and rail networks
Key facts
- Tram Line
- Raml line
- Length
- 14 kilometers (9 miles)
- Current Tickets
- 5 Egyptian pounds (~$0.10)
- Project Cost
- 592 million euros ($708 million)
- Funding Sources
- European Investment Bank, France's development agency
- Expected Duration
- 2 years
- Expected Speed Increase
- Roughly double current speed
- Passenger Capacity
- Expected to boost passenger capacity
Quotes
Fatma Hussein
A 63-year-old retired agricultural engineer and long-time tram rider.
“It’s not just a means of transport. It’s our memories … our history. You can develop it, but why stop it? Why deprive employees, students and the people who use it all the time?”
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Alaa Khaled
An Alexandrian novelist who grew up near the tramline.
“Even now, I still take the whole journey and gaze at the villas and trees as a window onto the history of the city, or just sit down and read.”
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Yasmin Kandil
An architect and urban mobility specialist.
“I worried that the light rail project, which includes elevating parts of the line to bypass intersections, will prioritise vehicles and speed while distorting the city’s aesthetics.”
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Mahmoud Ramadan
A 52-year-old tram driver who has worked on the tram network since 1997.
“Not everyone will understand. It’s your home and your life for 30 years.”
theprint.in
Sources
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