The Egyptian National Railways is preparing to launch an international tender to operate and manage more than 1,500 passenger cars, including over 1,300 Russian and Hungarian-made coaches. The move follows the failure of a domestic call for bids two years ago, a senior board member told Al Manassa.
The 15-year contract would hand over responsibility for the trains’ operation to a private company or consortium, while the ENR retains oversight. The official, who requested anonymity, said the fleet also includes a smaller number of VIP air-conditioned coaches.
The previous tender in 2022 was canceled after only one company, Abela Egypt, submitted a bid. Regulations prevent authorities from awarding a contract based on a single offer.
The source stated that the Transport Ministry hopes private-sector involvement will improve service quality and expand partnerships without relinquishing regulatory control. The model is similar to how Cairo Metro lines are managed by the National Authority for Tunnels.
In January 2023, Al Manassa reported on a separate 15-year, 500 million Egyptian pound (approximately $18.1 million at that time) contract awarded to a consortium of Gharably Integrated Engineering Company (GIECO) and 3A International to manage the freight sector.
Abela Egypt—owned by businessman Naguib Sawiris—already holds a 15-year contract to manage sleeping cars, dining cars on sleeper trains, all air-conditioned train buffets, a central catering kitchen in Cairo, and several station kiosks.
Currently, the Transport Ministry is in talks with a German-Egyptian consortium over running the country’s planned high-speed rail network. This is part of a broader strategy to involve private operators. In 2020, the ministry signed an agreement with a French company to manage the Cairo Metro Line 3, followed by another deal to operate the light rail transit to the new administrative capital.
The railway board member said that under the upcoming contract, existing ENR staff would continue working under the new operator, maintaining their ranks and benefits. The private operator would also be obligated to implement training programs and detailed maintenance plans, including strategies to rationalize spare parts use without compromising performance.
ENR operates a network spanning more than 9,570 km, serving 23 governorates and carrying nearly 420 million passengers annually. Its rolling stock includes around 3,040 passenger coaches, 8,553 freight cars, and 793 locomotives.
