The Novi Initiative is a qualitative leap in sustainable transport in Egypt

Novi Initiative, a qualitative shift in sustainable transport in Egypt

In a new step towards a more sustainable future, the Egyptian government announced major support for the green transportation sector through the “Novi” program, which provides huge funding for the implementation of advanced projects that promote the shift towards environmentally friendly means of transportation. This ambitious initiative comes in the context of Egypt’s commitment to reducingcarbon emissions and achieving sustainable development, through developing an integrated network of modern transportation that connects cities and provides more efficient and safe options for citizens.

Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir – Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport – explained during his speech at the opening of the second conference of the “NOVI” program that this program is a pivotal step in achieving sustainable development, and an opportunity to strengthen the transportation infrastructure in Egypt, by supporting green transportation projects with huge financing amounting to 3.4 billion euros. This was in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, along with a number of ministers and representatives of development agencies and international partners, who praised the Egyptian trend towards a more sustainable future in the transportation sector.

The minister explained that the allocated funds will be directed to major projects aimed at developing mass transportation infrastructure in Egypt, in order to improve the efficiency of public transportation and reduce carbon emissions. Among these projects is the implementation of the extension of the first line of the metro to Shibin al-Qanater, a project that costs 1.5 billion euros and will strengthen the metro network to serve more residential areas. This reduces pressure on other means of transportation, and reduces traffic congestion in the capital and surrounding areas.

Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir also revealed the project to convert the Abu Qir railway line in Alexandria into an electric metro at a similar cost. This project is considered one of the most important initiatives that will contribute to the development of transportation in the coastal city, especially with urban expansion and the increasing need for environmentally friendly means of transportation.

A new railway line will be constructed linking Al-Rubiki, 10th of Ramadan and Belbeis, with funding amounting to 105 million euros, which will enhance the connection between industrial areas and residential cities, and contribute to facilitating the movement of citizens and goods. As part of the development plan, the railway line between Tanta, Mansoura and Damietta will also be modernized, with an investment estimated at 320 million euros. To raise the efficiency of transportation on this vital axis linking the Delta and the northern coast.

The Minister confirmed that the Ministry of Transport is adopting a clear strategy for transitioning to green mass transportation systems, which is evident in the implementation of a number of major projects that rely on electric transportation. The most prominent of these projects is the high-speed electric train, which will extend over a network of 2,000 kilometers, linking various Egyptian cities. This will bring about a qualitative shift in the concept of transportation between governorates, and reduce dependence on traditional cars that consume fossil fuels and cause harmful emissions.

The matter does not stop at the high-speed train only, but also includes the monorail project, which is being implemented on two main axes east and west of the Nile, with a total length of 100 kilometers. Which will contribute to linking Greater Cairo with new areas, such as the Administrative Capital and 6th of October. Within the framework of developing mass transportation within cities, Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir referred to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project that will be operated on the ring road. To be a sustainable alternative to traditional means of transportation that cause pollution, as well as replacing the Abu Qir train with the Alexandria Metro; To become more compatible with green transportation standards.

All of these projects will lead to tangible results in reducing carbon emissions. It is expected to contribute to reducing approximately 4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Which reflects Egypt’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global climate agreements.

The minister added that the Egyptian government is working to stimulate the private sector to invest in transportation projects, by providing investment opportunities in the fields of trains, tunnels, sea and dry ports, and logistics areas, and this trend aims to reduce the burden on the state’s general budget, while ensuring the provision of advanced transportation services to citizens that keep pace with the latest international standards.

In this context, Earth Guards believes that investing insustainable transportrepresents a major axis for bringing about a qualitative shift in achieving “Egypt Vision 2030”; By adopting the latest technologies and adopting electric traction systems, Egypt is moving towards a more sustainable transportation model that contributes to reducing emissions and improving the quality of life.