Egypt and Sudan on track for rail link

Passengers arrive at Cairo’s Ramses railway station in the Egyptian capital. (AFP/File)

CAIRO: Sudan and Egypt transport officials have begun talks to determine a 900 km rail route linking the two countries through the northern Sudanese city of Wadi Halfa.
Discussions were launched during a visit by an Egyptian delegation to the border area of Ashkit.
Technicians and specialists from both countries took part in the talks.
Muawia Ali Khalid, Sudanese Ministry of Transport undersecretary, held discussions with his Egyptian counterpart, Hassan Al-Laithi, on a rail connection to boost trade volumes between the two countries.
The first phase of the project is expected to link Aswan with Wadi Halfa.
Egypt’s delegation presented a model outlining possible routes, including Aswan to Toshka and an Abu Simbel path with a 66 km bridge to Qastal to flow into Wadi Halfa, a distance of 350 km.
Another desert alternative was also offered.
The rail line in Sudan, including the link from Aswan to Khartoum, will be built according to Egyptian network specifications.
When complete, passengers will be able to board the train at Sidi Gaber station in Alexandria and travel nonstop to the Sudanese capital.
This line will transport passengers and goods between the two countries.
A future extension plan will link Egypt with most of Sudan.