The Public Transport Authority of Cairo governorate is set to offer the Heliopolis metro network re-development as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project by August, an official source told Zawya.
Bassel Shoirah, general manager for Utilities and Transport Sector, PPP Central Unit said investments related to the development project have been estimated at some EGP 1 billion (USD 150 million) and will include refurbishing a number of existing metro lines and carriages.
"These lines currently cover the neighborhoods of Heliopolis, Gesr El Suez and Almaza, in addition to extending new lines to New Cairo (Fifth District), which will cover a distance ofaround 30 kilometers," he said.
Shoirah added that the PPP, in partnership with the Cairo governorate, has selected a foreign consultancy office to oversee the 'Heliopolis metro' project. The consultancy firm is currently preparing a detailed study underscoring the magnitude of the needed investments for the project, as well as the terms and conditions, offer date to investors and the intended routes.
"The refurbishment of the Heliopolis metro will be done in several stages - the first will include developing the lines and carriages, carefully considering the route from the Girls College until Zahraa Nasr City. The second will involve the construction and extension of new networks from Al Zahraa to New Cairo, as part of the state's plan to access new housing communities within the capital. Among the most significant of these areas is New Cairo, where the total number of residents has reached one million," Shoirah explained.
The Heliopolis metro network spans a total of 90 kilometers and has been established more than 60 years ago. The whole facility has suffered from the lack of renovation since 1988.
Zawya 2013
