American railway technology giant Progress Rail has signed a long-term partnership with the Egyptian National Railways (ENR). Under three separate contracts, Progress Rail will modernize 15 AA100T locomotives in ENR’s fleet over a period of 22 years, provide technical support and supply the necessary spare parts. This strategic partnership will contribute to a significant improvement of Egypt’s railway infrastructure.
Investing in ENR's Environmental Development
The comprehensive agreements between Progress Rail and ENR cover a total of 141 locomotives. These contracts, which span a period of 15 years, include not only the updating of existing equipment, but also long-term technical support to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the locomotives. The aim of the modernization work is to extend the service life of the locomotives by around 20 years. During this process, Progress Rail experts will completely renew the locomotives’ power units and control systems. This refurbishment will significantly reduce the locomotives’ fuel consumption, contribute to the reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere and help ENR achieve its environmental sustainability goals.
Collaboration Strengthens Locomotive Fleet
The AA22T series locomotives continue to be the most widely used type of locomotive on Egypt’s railways. Originating in the 1970s, these locomotives were manufactured in Egypt under license by the German company Henschel, while the diesel engines used today are supplied by EMD, a subsidiary of Progress Rail. ENR’s modernization decision reflects its strategy of equipping an existing and well-established fleet with up-to-date technologies, rather than purchasing costly new equipment. This approach helps to reduce costs and enables the modernization process to be completed more quickly.
The modernized locomotives will meet today’s modern railway standards in terms of performance, efficiency and environmental friendliness. This will allow Egypt to have a significantly modernized fleet without having to completely replace its entire fleet of locomotives. Progress Rail’s commitment is not limited to technical upgrades; the American manufacturer also undertakes comprehensive long-term service and maintenance services that will ensure stable and reliable operation of the locomotives for many years to come. Thanks to this collaboration, Egypt’s railway sector has taken an important step towards modernization without incurring significant costs.
