The monorail project that will connect Egypt’s New Administrative Capital with East Cairo is envisioned to bring about a paradigm shift in the national land transportation system, Prime Minster Mostafa Madbouly said.

The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion and create an integrated public transport system, Madbouly said during an inspection tour on Saturday to follow up on the project's implementation.

The project’s first line, which will extend over 56.5 km from East Cairo to the New Administrative Capital, has 22 stations, the premier said, noting that the first train has already been fully manufactured and tested, while the second, third and fourth trains are still under development.

In addition, the completion rate of the mobile units has reached 26.7 percent, and two more trains are to be procured within the next two months, Madbouly pointed out.

The first-of-its-kind in Egypt, the project represents a significant shift in mass transportation as a fast, modern, safe and eco-friendly mode of transport, said Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir, who accompanied the premier on his tour.

The project will also reduce fuel consumption, as it is expected to replace private vehicles, the minister added.

The project's first phase, extending over about 45 km from the new capital to El-Moshir Mosque Station, is set for completion by the end of May 2022; while Phase 2, extending over 11.5 km from El-Moshir Mosque Station to Cairo Stadium Station, is scheduled to be completed in February 2023.

The two monorail projects (the New Administrative Capital and 6th of October City) are being implemented by a consortium of companies including Alstom, Orascom, and Arab Contractors. They extend over 98.5 km with 34 stations.

They will contribute to sustainable development east and west of Cairo as part of Egypt’s Vision 2030.