Škoda will modernise locomotives in Egypt

On 26 June 2023, Škoda Group signed two contracts with ENR for the modernisation and maintenance of at least 280 diesel locomotives. The project with a total worth of over 1 billion EUR, which marks the Czech company's expansion into Africa, consists of two contracts. The first concerns the modernisation of the Class AA22T and DE2550 locomotives, to be carried out over the next nine years.

The second contract involves the provision of full-service for the diesel-electric locomotives in question for up to 15 years. At the start of the project, two prototypes will be modernised at Škoda Parsin Šumperk. The batch upgrades, which will extend the life of the locomotives by a further 15 to 20 years, will then be carried out in Egypt, which will support the localisation of production and, together with the provision of maintenance, increase the employment of the local workforce.

To ensure the successful implementation of the project, the Škoda Group will provide training at its sites specifically for the implementation of the prototypes. Egyptian workers will be equipped with the necessary expertise both in the Czech Republic and in Egypt to work on locomotives according to European industrial standards. Škoda will work with its business partner in Egypt to select and train these workers.

During the overhaul and modernisation, the locomotives will undergo a significant design change, new driver’s consoles will be installed in the cabs, and the braking system and traction equipment will undergo a comprehensive modernisation, including the drives and pneumatics. The control system will also be modified, obsolete or worn out components will be renewed, and suchlike.

The contracts are a continuation of the extensive programme of renewal of the Egyptian railways, which includes the construction of a network of fast lines and the supply of the relevant vehicles by Siemens, the supply of Talgo rakes, new diesel locomotives by EMD and General Electric, new passenger cars produced by TMH/DJJ Dunakeszi, etc.

Didier Pfleger, Škoda Group CEO, adds: "These orders represent a historic milestone for us. Thanks to our know-how and good track record in service and upgrades, we want to build lasting relationships and thus contribute to the quality of the rail sector in the Middle East and Africa in the long term. I would like to thank the Egyptian government and its Minister of Transport, Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, for the trust they have shown in us."