Alexandria is fundamentally rewriting its relationship with transit. For decades, the commute between Abu Qir and the city center was defined by the rhythmic but aging pulse of traditional rail, often interrupted by the hazards of level crossings and the unhurried crawl of urban congestion. Now, that legacy is being replaced by a high-capacity, electric metro system designed to transform the “Bride of the Mediterranean” into a model for green urban mobility.
The first phase of the Alexandria Metro is more than a simple upgrade; This proves a structural overhaul of how the city breathes. Spanning 21.7 kilometers from the Abu Qir railway station to Misr Station, the project is carving a new path through the city. To bypass the dense street-level chaos, 15.2 kilometers of the route will be elevated, although 6.5 kilometers will remain at surface level.
Engineering a seamless flow
The scale of the project is reflected in its 20 stations—14 of which are elevated—designed to lift commuters above the traffic that has long plagued the city’s arteries. But the real victory for the average resident isn’t just the speed; it is the safety. By isolating the metro on a dedicated, secure path, the project effectively eliminates the danger of random street intersections and traditional railway crossings, which have historically been points of friction, and risk.
Behind the scenes, the infrastructure is equally ambitious. In Kafr Abdu, a massive 58-acre heavy overhaul workshop is taking shape, with 15 of its 18 planned buildings already under development. This facility, along with the light overhaul workshop in Abu Qir, ensures that the system isn’t just built to launch, but built to last. The project as well includes a dedicated power station that will feed both the new Metro and the existing Ram Tram, creating a unified electrical backbone for the city’s transit.
The “Made in Egypt” mandate
There is a clear ideological shift accompanying the technical one. The transition to electric power is a direct bid to slash carbon emissions and noise pollution, aligning Alexandria with broader national environmental goals. Perhaps more significant is the move toward industrial independence; the project is utilizing “Made in Egypt” trains, signaling a shift away from total reliance on foreign rolling stock toward domestic manufacturing.
For the commuter, the most tangible change will be the clock. With a planned headway of just 2.5 minutes between trains, the metro aims to eliminate the long waits and unpredictable scheduling of the old system, turning a stressful trek into a predictable, rapid transit experience.
How will this change daily life in Alexandria?
The project is expected to significantly reduce travel times and eliminate the risks associated with railway crossings. By moving a large portion of the transit to elevated tracks, it will likely reduce surface-level traffic congestion, making the city more navigable for both motorists and pedestrians.
What are the exact specifications of the first phase?
Phase one covers 21.7 km, consisting of 15.2 km of elevated tracks and 6.5 km of surface tracks. It features 20 stations in total, with 14 being elevated and 6 at surface level.
What happens after the first phase is complete?
The project is designed for expansion. The Ministry of Transport has already begun allocating funds—saved from the initial Phase 1 loan—to finance the second and third phases, suggesting a long-term plan to extend this green transit network further across the governorate.
Is the system entirely new or an upgrade?
It is a fundamental transformation. The project replaces the traditional railway system with a modern electric metro, involving new stations, a dedicated power grid, and domestically manufactured trains.
As Alexandria trades its old rails for an electric future, will this be the catalyst that finally solves the city’s historic struggle with urban congestion?
