Africa's new £7billion high-speed rail network that could revolutionise travel
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African nations are preparing to pump billions into a massive overhaul of their rail infrastructure as part of an audacious new plan for the continent. One key project in the works is the African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network (AIHSRN), which aims to link Africa's capital cities and major commercial centres with a high-speed railway network to enhance continental trade and competition. Egypt has already begun construction on its own high-speed rail network, estimated to cost a staggering £7billion. Spanning 2,000km (1,243 miles) and connecting 60 cities, it will be the sixth largest high-speed rail system globally once completed.
German firm Siemens is set to supply 41 Velaro eight-car high-speed trains, 94 Desiro high-capacity four-car regional train sets and 41 Vectron freight locomotives. In September, the company showcased its first Velaro high-speed train for Egypt at the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin.
The 200-meter-long eight-car high-speed train features Business and Standard class compartments, along with a restaurant carriage. Designed for comfort, it can accommodate 481 passengers (479 seats and two wheelchair spaces), offers on-board internet and power sockets, and can reach speeds of up to 250km/h (155 mph).
To handle Egypt's unique environmental challenges, including high temperatures, sand, and dust, the Velaro Egypt train comes equipped with special features, reports the Express. In a bid to combat the intrusion of sand and dust, protective measures including covers and brushes have been applied to exterior gaps in the new train's design. Additionally, cutting-edge filters have been deployed within its air-guiding parts to ensure passengers breathe clean air.
