BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2008

The Egyptian Railway System is the oldest network in Africa and the Middle East. Originally constructed by the British, the country's first line opened in 1854 between Alexandria and Kafer Eassa. Today, the system, operated by Egyptian National Railways (ENR), includes more than 5,000 kilometers of rail, transporting 500 million passengers and 12 million tons of freight annually.

The Berger Group has assisted in meeting Egypt's rail needs since the 1970s, when as part of a national transportation study, Berger reviewed operations; analyzed freight and passenger flows; provided detailed recommendations for improving the system; and prepared a 20-year rail investment plan. In 2007, when a major investment program was launched to further modernize the network and improve safety standards, Berger was retained by ENR to lead a consortium for a United States Trade and Development Agency-funded (USTDA) technical assistance program to upgrade operations and ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains across the network.

Berger experts reviewed existing data and reports; analyzed ENR's operations; evaluated current Egyptian traffic management and safety procedures; introduced several modern applications, including operation simulation models and ultrasonic track and wheel testing; prepared training materials; and developed an ENR system-wide traffic monitoring, management and control plan. The Team also conducted an orientation visit to the United States for key members of the Ministry of Transport and ENR. The visit included substantial time with the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, D.C.; visits to major freight dispatch centers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Fort Worth, Texas; a symposium with rail suppliers in Washington, D.C.; and visits to major supplier research and manufacturing facilities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Grain Valley, Kansas.

Upon completion of the assignment, the Team will submit a final report to the government of Egypt, ENR and USTDA detailing its findings and recommendations for enhancing the network.