Construction and project management consultancy Hill International has been selected to oversee the development of what is set to become the longest monorail system in the world, located in Cairo, Egypt. This groundbreaking project, known as the Cairo Monorail, comprises two lines that together extend over 98 kilometers. The first line connects East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital, while the second line links 6th of October City to Giza. With a total project value exceeding $4 billion, this initiative marks the first high-capacity transit link between Greater Cairo and the New Capital, designed to accommodate up to 45,000 passengers at peak times.
The National Authority for Tunnels, the governmental body responsible for the Cairo Monorail’s construction, has entrusted Hill International with a comprehensive suite of services including project management, design review, and implementation supervision. Hill specializes in these areas and also brings additional expertise in quality assurance, inspection, scheduling, and risk management.
Hill International boasts a robust global presence, having successfully delivered over 10,000 projects valued at more than $600 billion since its establishment. The firm’s extensive experience is expected to provide significant value to the Cairo Monorail project.
Significance and Innovation
For Hill’s CEO, Raouf Ghali, the Cairo Monorail project is especially noteworthy, as it signifies the ongoing strength of both the North African market and Egypt’s infrastructure development. “This project explores unprecedented territory in regional construction and infrastructure,” Ghali stated, emphasizing its remarkable size, speed, and scope.
The Cairo Monorail will consist of two distinct lines: the first line will stretch over 56 kilometers and feature 21 stations from East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital, while the second line will cover 42 kilometers with 12 stations connecting 6th of October City to Giza. The stations will be designed as a mix of overhead and underground structures, seamlessly integrating with existing transit systems such as the Cairo Metro and the Cairo High-Speed Rail.
The project is also poised to utilize cutting-edge technology, featuring 70 automated, driverless Bombardier trains, each comprising four coaches made from recyclable and corrosion-resistant aluminum panels. This innovative design aims to create a highly efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable rail network that aligns with Cairo’s evolving urban landscape.
Trains will operate at speeds of up to 80 km/h, allowing for rapid transit—line one can be completed in just one hour, while line two will take approximately 42 minutes. Ghali noted that this project stands as a testament to Egypt’s growing appeal and potential for growth.
“With favorable demographic factors, astute planning, and innovation driving the agenda, we anticipate that Egypt will set a global standard for executing ambitious infrastructure projects like the Cairo Monorail for many years to come,” he said.
Commitment to Success
The scale and ambition of the Cairo Monorail project have inspired confidence in Hill’s Africa Managing Director, Waleed Abdel-Fattah. “Hill has a decades-long record of success in delivering mega-transportation and infrastructure projects in Egypt and globally. Our team is committed to applying best practices and insights gained from past projects to ensure that these new lines fulfill the Authority’s objectives, providing a fast, safe, and clean transit solution for residents,” he affirmed.
As the project progresses, Hill International is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Cairo’s public transportation landscape, paving the way for a more connected and efficient urban environment.
