It’s the only proper metro system in Africa, but ever since the first phase opened in 1987 it has needed more capacity. With a burgeoning population, experts found that at best the original two lines of the Metro could only handle about half of trips in the city. As such it was decided to put several more lines in, with the work on a third route having started in 2005 and still underway. The contract for the first phase of this new line went to Orascom Construction – a multinational firm based in Egypt. The total length of the line is approximately 30km, though most of it is deep underground in bored tunnels and will be implemented in four phases. The project includes a main workshop adjacent to the western terminal of the line and a light repair workshop at the middle of the line at Abbasia It is also planned that some of the underground stations will be extensively used as ‘commercial centres’ – underground souks in other words.
These stations will be constructed by the cut-and-cover method, which will involve clearing existing buildings on the surface where needed, before excavating and shoring the cut. While all the contractors and subcontractors are busy completing the line in time for opening next year, the good news for anybody else seeking a part of the project is that a further three whole lines are being considered as part of the city’s 2020 plan.
Cairo Metro line 3 Phase 1: central section, 4.3km, 5 stations, underground, Attaba - Abbasiya, interchange with Line 2 Phase 2: 6.2km, 4 stations, underground, Abbasiya - Al Ahram (Heliopolis) Phase 4: 11km, Al Ahram - Cairo International Airport
Additional three lines planned for 2020
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