The ministry said the decision follows transport studies that concluded upgrading Alexandria’s public transport system is necessary to address traffic bottlenecks caused by the city’s limited road network. Alexandria relies mainly on two east–west arteries—the Corniche Road and Al-Horreya Road—and a single route linking the city centre to western districts via Al-Max Street and its extension, according to the ministry.
The rehabilitation of the Raml Tramway follows years of infrastructure deterioration and declining passenger numbers, which the ministry attributed to outdated operating systems, low efficiency, and poor technical condition. Officials said this has pushed commuters toward private and informal transport, worsening congestion.
Under the project, the tramway’s carrying capacity will increase from 4,700 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) to 13,800, while journey times are expected to fall from 60 minutes to 35 minutes. Operating speed will increase, and headways will be reduced from nine minutes to three minutes, the ministry said.
The upgrade includes modernizing infrastructure and rolling stock to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and ease pressure on road traffic. The ministry said the project will also create jobs during construction and operation.
Once completed, the rehabilitated tramway will be integrated with the Alexandria Metro at Victoria and Sidi Gaber stations, allowing passengers to transfer between systems and improving connectivity across the city.
A phased suspension of the existing tramway service will be implemented during construction, with authorities monitoring passenger movement and adjusting services as needed. The ministry said it has coordinated with Alexandria Governorate to ensure daily mobility is maintained through alternative transport options operating on the same schedules.
These include 153 vehicles, comprising 15 buses and 46 minibuses operating along the Corniche, 48 microbuses running parallel to the tramway route, and 44 minibuses serving Gamal Abdel Nasser Street (Abu Qir). Designated stops will be introduced to prevent random boarding, with service intervals ranging from three to five minutes.
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