The move commemorates the 51st anniversary of the 6 October 1973 victory, read a Ministry of Industry and Transport statement.

Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir took the inaugural ride of the Fardan-Bir Al-Abd line from Sheikh Zayed Station to Bir Al-Abd Station in Sinai.

The North Sinai and Ismailia governors with other officials and tribal sheikhs attended the inauguration.

The 100-kilometre Fardan-Bir Al-Abd line has seen extensive improvements, including the renewal of 22 kilometres and the rehabilitation of 64 kilometres.

This work also involved restoring 14 kilometres of old rails that were stolen during an insecurity period in 2011, according to previous remarks by El-Wazir.

Moreover, the transport ministry has also renovated the Bir Al-Abd Station and restored the functionality of several other stations, including Qantara East, Galbana, Rummana, and Balouza.

President's gift
 

El-Wazir said the launch of the rail line was the president's gift to Egyptians in Sinai.

He added that the air-conditioned Fardan-Bir Al-Abd train will be free throughout October.

The transport minister also affirmed that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has directed the ministry to address all the needs of the Sinai citizens and implement all projects that would benefit them.

"The railway line is a significant enhancement of transportation in Sinai, as the train will offer passengers high-quality, clean, and efficient service," he explained. 
 

New urban communities
 

The operation of this line will also help facilitate the movement of people and goods from Sinai to all governorates, El-Wazir told media at Bir Al-Abd Station during the train's launch.

Furthermore, he noted that the reopening of the railway line aims to establish new urban communities and industrial zones, support economic development projects in North Sinai, reduce transportation costs for goods and people, and enhance tourism in the region's tourist cities.

Meanwhile, Sinai residents expressed gratitude to President El-Sisi for launching the train and implementing projects that foster comprehensive development, emphasizing that this is "a historic day" for them.

Railway service in Sinai
 

The reopening of the Fardan-Bir Al-Abd railway line is a part of the first phase of the project to rehabilitate, develop, and construct the approximately 500 km Fardan/East Port Said/Bir Al-Abd/Arish/Taba railway line.

The railway line is also a key part of the new Arish-Taba integrated logistics corridor, running from the Arish seaport to the Taba land crossing.

According to the ministry, they connect via the Arish-Taba railway line, extending from the Fardan-Bir Al-Abd-Arish line through the heavy industry zone in central Sinai.

The project is part of the government's plan to develop Sinai in various sectors.

Resuming this line will benefit the freight transportation system and support residential, industrial, and mining communities in Sinai by linking factories to rail connections, the statement added.

It will also facilitate exports through the ports of Arish and Taba, as the line integrates with the railway network across the country.