{"id":16878,"date":"2026-03-02T23:20:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:20:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/?p=16878"},"modified":"2026-10-07T04:07:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T02:07:12","slug":"alexandria-tram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/alexandria-tram\/","title":{"rendered":"Alexandria\u2019s Tram: Redevelopment Moves Faster Than the Courts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alexandria\u2019s historic tram faces a government redevelopment plan criticised for threatening the city\u2019s heritage and raising questions about public spending. Lawyers allege waste and insufficient disclosure while lawsuits seek to halt implementation. Executive agencies continue work as legal proceedings remain unresolved.<\/p>\n

The closure plan<\/a> began on February 1 with a ten-day trial affecting the Victoria\u2013Mostafa Kamel section, following Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly\u2019s rehabilitation decision. The report then describes a 45-day partial closure of that section before a planned full shutdown on April 1. These overlapping stages are presented as reported at the time. Traffic congestion accompanied the changes.<\/p>\n

The project, expected to take about two years, faces community criticism of its effect on Alexandria\u2019s urban identity. Plans elevate<\/a> approximately 6.3 kilometres on concrete structures, prompting architectural and environmental objections about the historic cityscape near the corniche and prioritising vehicles over pedestrians.<\/p>\n

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Planned Raml Tram Station Types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Station type in the source plan<\/th>\nStation labels<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Surface<\/td>\nEl Raml; El Ibrahimia; Sporting; Cleopatra; Mostafa Kamel; Ramses; Glim; Saba Pasha; San Stefano; Laurent; Sidi Bishr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elevated<\/td>\nAzarita; Mostafa Zayan; El Shatbi; Sidi Gaber; Roshdy; Al Hedaya; Ministry; Kafr Abdo; Bacos; Sifr; Schutz; Victoria<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Underground<\/td>\nThe University<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>
English reconstruction of the station-type labels in the map reproduced in the Arabic article. This groups stations by the source map\u2019s colour key; it is not a scale map or a new alignment proposal. The original legend distinguishes elevated, surface and tunnel track segments.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As tracks, electrical wires and some old stations were dismantled, reports of auction sales<\/a> totalling approximately EGP 176 million raised questions about asset valuation and potential waste.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/div>\n

Asset Sales and a Pending Legal Challenge<\/h2>\n

Cassation lawyer Mohamed Fattouh filed report No. 2935 of 2026 at First Montazah Police Station alleging damage to public property at Victoria and al-Seyouf stations. Separately, Mohamed Fattouh Ahmed Fikry brought administrative-court case No. 8397 of judicial year 80 against the prime minister, transport minister, National Authority for Tunnels head and Alexandria governor. It challenges Decision No. 3508 of 2021 and seeks environmental and heritage studies and evidence of compliance with Heritage Protection Law No. 144 of 2006<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Auction
Auction terms for Alexandria\u2019s Raml tram assets (right) and the filing receipt for administrative case No. 8397 of judicial year 80 (left). Original documents reproduced as evidence. (Original document in Arabic; its relevant contents are explained in the English text.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dismantling continued without a final judgment. According to Fattouh, an auction awarded assets including 41 trains comprising 123 carriages, copper electrical networks, rails and workshops for EGP 176 million to the Ezz al-Din Khamis establishment and al-Shorouk Contracting Company.<\/p>\n

Fattouh says the case challenges the 2021 decision because the tram, more than 160 years old, forms part of Alexandria\u2019s heritage. He invokes Article 50 of the Constitution<\/a> and Law No. 144 of 2006. The article concerns protection of Egypt\u2019s material and moral civilisational and cultural heritage, including antiquities; the tram\u2019s precise legal status is part of his case, not a finding established by this report.<\/p>\n

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He told Zawia3 the challenge has four main grounds: harm to heritage value, inadequate compensation set in 2021 before subsequent inflation, lack of a clear environmental study on mature trees and social consequences of closing the tram while the Abu Qir line is also under redevelopment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Fattouh considers the EGP 176 million valuation too low and suspects public-money waste. He also questions legal authority over the facility, stressing that dismantling continued while the case was pending. These are his allegations.<\/p>\n

\"Original
Original complaint alleging deliberate public-money waste and liquidation of the Raml tram through the awarded auction. The allegations remain attributed to the complainant. (Original document in Arabic; its relevant contents are explained in the English text.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On February 22, the State Commissioners Authority requested essential documents<\/a> from the National Authority for Tunnels: the French consultant\u2019s study indicating whether scrapping was technically recommended, the official start date, route-modification survey maps and proof of National Organization for Urban Harmony approval.<\/p>\n

The lawyer says these documents are needed for the commissioners\u2019 report recommending whether to suspend implementation or continue considering the case. A March 8 session was scheduled for submission or an explanation of non-production. Requesting documents did not itself constitute a final ruling halting the project.<\/p>\n

Fattouh also says he filed complaints with Alexandria\u2019s Administrative Control Authority about valuation and the Administrative Prosecution against those responsible for scrapping, and formally warned implementing companies to stop pending judicial resolution.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Raml tram line. Photo: Reuters. (Original document in Arabic; its relevant contents are explained in the English text.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/svg><\/div>\n

The Tram\u2019s Heritage Value<\/h2>\n

Maged al-Raheb, head of the Egyptian Association for Heritage Preservation, sees the tram as a tourism attraction and part of Alexandria\u2019s urban identity, rather than merely transport. Residents and visitors can observe the city along its route, and electric operation limits local pollution.<\/p>\n

Selling its assets harms heritage and tourism appeal, he told Zawia3. Protecting the tram preserves collective memory and environmentally oriented tourism.<\/p>\n

Al-Raheb calls on the Culture Ministry, Supreme Council of Culture, heritage bodies and Environment Ministry to protect historic facilities from investment-related harm. He hopes judicial intervention will halt the project.<\/p>\n

Dr Abbas al-Zaafarani, environmental-design professor and former dean of Cairo University\u2019s Faculty of Regional and Urban Planning, similarly considers historic trams cultural landmarks. Vienna and Lisbon show how preserving them can support tourism, economic returns, collective memory and distinctive identity, he says.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAny intervention in historic transport facilities should follow consultation with urban-heritage specialists,\u201d al-Zaafarani told Zawia3, including the National Organization for Urban Harmony and relevant experts, to balance transport upgrades with conservation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Unilateral transport decisions can cost a city heritage and tourism opportunities even if they improve traffic flow, he argues. Community dialogue and professional consultation are needed to balance heritage, cityscape and mobility.<\/p>\n

Shehab Abu Zeid, transport-policy adviser and programme director at Nada for Safer Roads, supports preserving the Raml tram while modernising infrastructure. He describes wholesale replacement as a consequence of decades of weak urban planning and rising population pressure. Some interviewees refer to the replacement as a metro; official statements describe rehabilitation of the Raml tram.<\/p>\n

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The tram provided acceptable service to broad groups, especially students and older people, Abu Zeid told Zawia3. A gap between ending the old service and opening the new one can increase congestion and burdens.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Success depends on integration with other transport, he adds. Sustainable-mobility strategies may look positive in theory but must be judged in practice.<\/p>\n

He calls for comprehensive environmental and social studies and innovative solutions preserving mass transit rather than removing an existing system without an integrated alternative.<\/p>\n

The Transport Ministry began comprehensive rehabilitation<\/a> in early February, describing a smart, green and fast service over 21.7 kilometres, with a 35-minute journey, three-minute intervals and capacity above 13,000 passengers per hour. A later ministry statement quoted below gives a 25-minute target, illustrating differing figures in the material cited by the article.<\/p>\n

The report estimates project cost at approximately US$534 million, principally financed through a French Development Agency (AFD) loan<\/a>, while the National Authority for Tunnels sought approximately EGP 9 billion from a local banking consortium.<\/p>\n

\"The
The historic Raml route is described as approximately 14 kilometres long, distinct from the 21.7-kilometre redevelopment figure cited above. Photo: Reuters. (Original document in Arabic; its relevant contents are explained in the English text.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/svg><\/div>\n

Environmental Concerns and Tree Removal<\/h2>\n

Environmental advocates<\/a> fear loss of trees, some more than 100 years old, particularly along Abu Qir and al-Horreya streets. Removal began on Abu Qir Street in September 2025 and continued with track dismantling in February 2026, the report says. Activists describe a \u201ctree massacre\u201d threatening shade and urban beauty in densely populated areas.<\/p>\n

Ali Abdo, an advisory-council member of Our Earth Climate Foundation for Sustainable Development and executive director of Sustainability Studio MENA, focuses on practical impacts during construction. Simultaneous tram and rail closures created severe congestion and reduced alternatives, affecting daily travel and the environment, he says.<\/p>\n

He argues better temporary transport and diversion planning was needed, considering economic, social and cultural factors. Sustainable urban design requires human mobility, pedestrian infrastructure and short-distance transport, not simply electric vehicles.<\/p>\n

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Abdo told Zawia3 he considers the direct biodiversity impact limited and says felled trees enter recycling or reuse processes at iron factories, with carbon emissions accounted for in the overall project footprint. These are his claims and assessment; the report does not provide an independent emissions calculation or verification of tree disposal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He calls for broad environmental and social evaluation that weighs immediate disruption against potential benefits after completion. Actual construction often departs from ideal design, creating practical problems for residents.<\/p>\n

Dr Abdel Maseeh Samaan, environmental-studies professor at Ain Shams University, says transport projects should assess emissions, noise and biodiversity. An electric replacement, like the electric tram, can remain a low-emission mode and may improve efficiency and speed. His statement concerns operation; it does not establish that construction and tree removal have no environmental cost.<\/p>\n

Samaan sees wider government moves toward clean public transport, natural gas and electricity as aligned with Egypt\u2019s 2050 climate strategy and efforts to reduce emissions.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/div>\n

Parliamentary Scrutiny<\/h2>\n

Ahmed Alaa Fayed, an Egyptian Social Democratic Party MP, submitted an urgent briefing request<\/a> to the prime minister and transport minister through the House speaker, alleging public-money waste and liquidation of the historic Raml tram under the name of development.<\/p>\n

He said dismantling while the administrative case was pending imposed facts on the ground. His request cited 41 trains, 123 carriages, rails and electrical assets sold in lots for EGP 176 million, which he called low relative to actual and historic value. He sought suspension and referral to the Transport Committee.<\/p>\n

Fayed told Zawia3 residents had contacted him with concerns and documents, seeking dialogue with the government on the project and legality of dismantling and sales before a final judgment. He considered the commissioners\u2019 examination a positive step.<\/p>\n

He stresses that transport development must respect cultural and historical inheritance and involve residents, local authorities, civil society and urban-planning consultants.<\/p>\n

\n

Asked about the EGP 176 million auction, however, Fayed said he had not reviewed its specific papers. Discussion with responsible agencies was needed before deciding whether a parliamentary investigation was warranted. His request and concerns therefore do not amount to independent verification of the sale documents.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Hossam Hassan, organisational secretary of the Adl Party and an MP, also requested scrutiny<\/a> of suspending, dismantling, scrapping and selling the Raml tram while litigation continued. He highlighted its daily service to thousands and historical value.<\/p>\n

His request repeated reports of 41 trains comprising 123 carriages, rails, electrical networks and workshops sold for EGP 176 million. He questioned valuation and alternatives for passengers and sought Transport Committee review of the legal and technical basis.<\/p>\n

Mohamed Gebril, a House Transport Committee member, requested answers<\/a> from the transport and local-development ministers about simultaneous Raml and Abu Qir closures and severe congestion. He argued preparations were insufficient and asked for adequate replacement buses and affordable fares.<\/p>\n

Gebril also sought protection of tram workers\u2019 employment and financial rights during reassignment and compensation for lost public-transport revenue. A national transport upgrade must not become a daily burden, he says.<\/p>\n

<\/svg><\/div>\n

The Official Case for Rehabilitation<\/h2>\n

The Transport Ministry<\/a>, through the National Authority for Tunnels, said preparatory procedures with Alexandria began in 2019. Design, technical, environmental and social studies involved French consultant Systra, EcoConServ, Alexandria and Cairo universities and the National Institute of Transport.<\/p>\n

According to the ministry, 26 critical level crossings slow service, the ageing fleet needs comprehensive electrical, vehicle and signalling upgrades, and fires affected units between October 2019 and August 2025. It said capacity needed to rise from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour and elevated sections would enable three-minute intervals and a 25-minute journey.<\/p>\n

Alexandria governorate says<\/a> the project does not seek to abolish the historic facility but rehabilitate it for modern transport, safety and environmental efficiency while preserving its role for students, older people and low-income passengers.<\/p>\n

Official claims of necessary modernisation coexist with community and rights-based objections about memory, heritage and environmental harm. Work continues while courts and Parliament examine the dispute. Calls for full disclosure of technical, environmental and heritage studies seek a balance between transport efficiency and conservation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dismantling and reported asset sales continue while lawyers, residents and MPs challenge the project\u2019s heritage, environmental and public-spending implications.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":15193,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[413],"tags":[],"kateb":[1550],"class_list":["post-16878","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-society-en","kateb-aya-yasser"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/\u062a\u0631\u0627\u0645-\u0627\u0633\u0643\u0646\u062f\u0631\u064a\u0629.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16878"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16879,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16878\/revisions\/16879"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16878"},{"taxonomy":"kateb","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zawia3.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kateb?post=16878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}