Egypt has completed plans for a strategic transport link that would eventually connect Saudi Arabia to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula—and, by extension, link Asia and Europe by rail. Egyptian Minister of Transport Kamel al-Wazir announced the development during an economic conference hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt.
“We are now ready to implement the bridge or tunnel connecting Egypt and Saudi Arabia,” said al-Wazir. “Planning is complete. Implementation can begin at any time.”
Currently, regional cargo is moved via the Arab Bridge Maritime Company, which operates 13 vessels between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. However, the envisioned land corridor would mark a major upgrade in intercontinental infrastructure.
Originally proposed in 2016 by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz during a state visit to Egypt, the 32-km bridge—possibly named after the King—would span the Strait of Tiran, linking Saudi Arabia’s Ras Hamid to the vicinity of Sharm El-Sheikh. The estimated $4 billion cost of the project would be covered by Saudi Arabia.
Although construction of the bridge has not begun, Egypt is already expanding its national railway network in preparation. The country is developing seven rail corridors, including three high-speed lines connecting the Red Sea’s Sokhna Port to the Mediterranean, Alexandria, and Aswan.
These upgrades support Egypt’s broader efforts to enhance its logistics infrastructure. Several Mediterranean ports have been modernized to handle increased cargo flow, while the southern high-speed rail line will run alongside the pyramids area, offering improved access without disturbing the heritage site.
Notably, Egypt has diverted the planned rail route near Abydos—one of the country’s oldest archaeological sites—to avoid damaging ancient tombs.
In 2023, Egypt launched a $7.8 billion first phase of a 2,000-km high-speed electric train network, awarded to Siemens Mobility in partnership with Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors. The project is scheduled for completion in three phases.
Source: arabianbusiness.com
