Egypt plans big rail expansion

CAIRO, Dec 02 (Arab News): Egypt is rushing ahead with plans for an expansion of its metro and railway networks and is near agreement with Bechtel to implement Cairo's sixth metro line, Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir said on Monday.
Speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce, Wazir said most of the bigger transport projects, which also include dry ports and river transport, should be finished by the end of 2024.
Egypt was working on a memorandum of understanding with Bechtel for feasibility studies and implementation of the $5 billion, 30km sixth metro line, he said.
"Just yesterday we had the contracts and we quickly reached near-agreement," Wazir said.
"We told them to submit a written offer. If we reach agreement we will begin working at once and expedite all the contracts and agreements."
Egypt had lined up finance for the metro line from Canada, America, Britain, France and Japan, Wazir said. He did not give its route, but reports have said it will run east of the Nile from north to south.