The Egyptian government on Monday announced plans to build a supertram so as to connect American University in Cairo, located in New Cairo, with the capital's subway network.
Egyptian Transport Minister Alaa Fahmy said that a feasibility study has been completed and preparations for construction have begun, adding that the LE5 billion project would be completed in 48 months.
The new supertram will cover a total distance of 44km. The first phase covering 28km will cost an estimated LE3.2 billion, LE1.4 billion of which to be financed by the World Bank.
The plans include eight cars and run at an average speed of 35km per hour. In addition to serving residents of New Cairo, it will serve some 50,000 students studying at Cairo’s American University, the German University and Future University. Currently, there are no means of public transportation within New Cairo.
The value of local real estate is expected to rise once it becomes connected to the subway network.
Fahmi explained that the trip would accommodate 250 passengers and reach the subway network six minutes after departure. The supertram is expected to transport an average of 250,000 passengers per day.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
