A statement by the National Railways said the special train, number 1940, departed Cairo’s Ramses Station on Sunday, carrying hundreds of Sudanese families bound for Aswan.
It added that authorities ensured smooth organisation and comprehensive support, including reception services at the stations, dedicated assistance teams for the elderly, and a safe and comfortable onboard environment.
A special carriage was also attached to carry luggage and personal belongings.
The current train is scheduled to arrive at the High Dam Station in Aswan at around 11:10 p.m. Sunday, where Sudanese authorities will complete onward travel procedures into Sudan.
To meet growing demand, Egyptian authorities, in coordination with their Sudanese counterparts, are preparing to operate additional trains in the coming period.
Officials emphasised that the initiative serves as a model of humanitarian solidarity and cooperation at both official and popular levels, highlighting the enduring ties between the two nations.
The Egyptian National Railways reaffirmed its commitment to providing all necessary facilities for Sudanese citizens participating in the voluntary return programme, highlighting the initiative as a reflection of the genuine historical and humanitarian bonds that link Egypt and Sudan.
The statement stressed that passengers expressed gratitude for the well-organised journey and the facilities provided, emphasising the spirit of fraternity and solidarity shown by their Egyptian hosts.
The number of Sudanese refugees in Egypt has surged past 755,000, representing more than 74 percent of the country’s total refugee and asylum-seeker population, according to the latest figures released by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
As of 31 July 2025, Egypt hosts 1,020,327 registered refugees and asylum seekers, the highest level ever recorded in the country.
Sudanese nationals form by far the largest group, driven by mass displacement caused by the ongoing conflict in Sudan that erupted in April 2023.
The UNHCR noted that this represents a sharp rise compared to December 2024, when Egypt recorded 877,012 registered refugees, of whom around 603,000 were Sudanese.
The acceleration underscores the scale of the humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people crossing the border in search of safety.
In June 2025, the agency warned that refugee numbers in Egypt had already surpassed one million, with Sudanese accounting for nearly three-quarters of that total.
The influx has placed mounting pressure on Egypt’s infrastructure and public services, particularly in border governorates such as Aswan.
Short link: