Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir rode the inaugural service from Investors Station in New Cairo to the Government District Station in the New Administrative Capital, where the transport ministry is headquartered, according to a ministry statement.
The first operational phase runs from Al-Moshir Tantawi Station in New Cairo to Justice City Station in the New Capital and will operate daily from 6 am to 6 pm, the ministry said.
The initial section includes 16 stations serving residential districts and major destinations in New Cairo and the New Capital, including government offices, hospitals, universities, shopping centres and business districts.
The line also connects with the Light Rail Transit (LRT) network at the Arts and Culture City station.
Al-Wazir described the launch as a “significant milestone” for Egypt’s transport sector and said the monorail represented a major step forward in providing faster, safer and more environmentally friendly public transportation.
The minister said the project would help reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption and pollution by encouraging commuters to shift from private cars to mass transit.
At Investors Station, staff welcomed passengers with roses on the opening day, while the minister inspected ticketing systems and electronic gates, the statement said.
He also urged officials to ensure passengers were informed about payment options, including cash, bank cards and electronic wallets.
During the journey, Al-Wazir met passengers who praised the air-conditioned trains and the quality of service, according to the ministry.
The trains are fully automated and equipped with surveillance cameras, LCD passenger information screens and designated spaces for passengers with disabilities, according to the transport ministry.
The East Nile line extends about 56.5 km from Stadium Station in Nasr City to the New Administrative Capital. It is part of a wider national plan to expand electric mass transit systems in Greater Cairo.
Egypt is implementing two monorail lines with a combined length of about 100 km and 35 stations, which authorities say will form a key part of the capital’s integrated transport network.
A second line, the West Nile (6 October) Monorail, stretches about 42 km from Mohandessein in Cairo to 6 October City and includes 13 stations linking western suburbs and new urban developments to Greater Cairo’s transport grid.
The transport ministry said a second phase, extending from Al-Moshir Tantawi Station to Stadium Station in Nasr City, is scheduled to open next month.
A consortium of Egypt’s Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors, together with France’s Alstom, has been implementing the project.
Egypt has invested heavily in transport infrastructure in recent years, including metro expansions, electric railways and road projects aimed at improving mobility and supporting urban expansion.
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