Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi ordered on Saturday the acceleration of a a plan to upgrade the national railway network and establish new train lines to link all the country's areas, especially ports with the railway network.

According to a statement by the Presidency, El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Transport Minister Kamel el Wazir, where he also directed to develop areas surrounding roads and axes being established or modernized nationwide, in a manner that integrates with the state’s efforts for modern urban planning, eliminating slums and upgrading public services. 

The meeting reviewed the executive position of projects implemented by the Ministry of Transport, especially the development and modernization of the railway network, as well as researching solutions to settle the Egyptian National Railways' (ENR) debts, totaling about EGP 250 billion.

The minister briefed Sisi on the executive and contractual position regarding the development of ENR's fleet nationwide, as well as efforts to improve the freight transport system and develop human resources.

El-Wazir also reviewed the latest developments regarding new road and bridge network projects, especially in Upper Egypt and comprehensive development efforts of Alexandria and Dekheila ports.

The meeting also discussed the latest progress of the Electric Train project to link Cairo with the New Administrative Capital, the third Cairo metro line, and connecting Adly Mansour Metro Station to Cairo International Airport.