Bombardier signs agreement with Egypt to develop proposal for new Cairo metro line
ALICJA SIEKIERSKA
POSTMEDIA NETWORK
Bombardier Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian government to develop a plan for a new metro line in Cairo, a project that could cost as much as $4 billion.
The non-binding agreement signed by representatives from Bombardier’s rail division and the National Authority of Tunnels in Egypt will see the Quebec-based company spend the next six months developing a concept plan for the construction of Cairo’s proposed Line 6, said Bombardier spokesperson Marc-Andre Lefebvre.
The concept plan will include technical and financial studies, as well as look at potential partnerships for other aspects of the project that Bombardier would not be involved in, such as laying down tracks or building tunnels.
“We would work with certain firms and find the best partners to be able to come up with a system proposal for this kind of project,” Lefebvre said.
The company will then submit an initial indicative and nonbinding offer to the Egyptian government that it says may lead to a contract.
Laurent Bouyer, the vice president of sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa for Bombardier Transportation and Ahmed Eldamanhoury, Bombardier Transportation’s Egypt director, were on hand to sign the agreement.
The estimated cost of the potential project has been pegged at $4-billion.
In 2015, Bombardier Transportation said its consortium with Egypt’s Orascom Construction was finalizing discussions with the Egyptian government. Bombardier currently does not have any ongoing transportation projects in Egypt.