Following successful testing, Alstom has put into commercial operation its power supply and computer-based interlocking signalling systems on the ‘Mallawi’ section of the Beni Suef–Asyut railway line in Egypt.
Alstom replaced the existing electromechanical interlocking system with its Smartlock 400 GP. The computer-based interlocking (CBI) solution will ensure safety for passengers while increasing the number of trains in circulation on the network.
The Mallawi section is the fifth section of the 240-km Beni Suef–Asyut railway line to enter into commercial service with Alstom’s computer-based interlocking signalling system following the commissioning of Beni Mazar station on November 2019. In March 2019, Alstom commissioned the Smartlock 400 signalling system at the Maghagha’s main railway station. This was the second section of the railway line to enter commercial service with Alstom’s interlocking signalling system, following the commissioning of Abu Qurqas station at the end of 2018.
So far, 40 km are now fully automated operating with contraflow function. To date over 70 km of mainline railway in Egypt are using Alstom’s signalling solution.
Alstom has delivered the signalling system despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our Egyptian team of experts namely in the fields of installation, construction and commissioning, succeeded to deliver this new section despite a challenging operational context. We are proud with this new demonstration of the sense of responsibility of our teams,” said Mohamed Khalil, Managing Director at Alstom Egypt.
In January 2015, the Egyptian National Railways (ENR) awarded Alstom a €100 million contract to supply the signalling equipment for the Beni Suef-Asyut railway line in Egypt. Under the contract, Alstom was responsible for the delivery of its Smartlock solution — an Electronic Interlocking System (EIS) — to replace the existing electromechanical one, as well as trackside equipment, power supply and telecommunication systems. The contract also included maintenance for five years.
The signalling project is financed by the World Bank and was launched by Egypt’s Ministry of Transport as part of an initiative to modernise signalling systems all over the ENR network, enhance operation and increase the level of safety to match international standards.
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