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Škoda's Historic Venture in Africa: A Bilateral Revamp of Egyptian Locomotives

Škoda's Historic Venture in Africa: A Bilateral Revamp of Egyptian Locomotives
photo: Škoda Group, RAILTARGET Archive/Škoda's Historic Venture in Africa: A Bilateral Revamp of Egyptian Locomotives
11 / 09 / 2023

Škoda Group has secured two contracts with Egyptian National Railways (ENR) for the modernization and maintenance of at least 280 diesel-electric locomotives. The first contract pertains to the modernization of these locomotives, set to take place over the next nine years. The second is a comprehensive service agreement spanning up to 15 years. The combined value of these contracts exceeds one billion euros, marking Škoda's inaugural venture in Africa and the Middle East.

To kick off the project, two prototype locomotives will be modernized at Škoda Group's production and service facility in Šumperk, Czech Republic. Subsequently, the remaining locomotives will be upgraded and serviced directly in Egypt, utilizing local labor for all manufacturing roles. To guarantee successful execution, the Group will offer on-site training for these prototypes. All Egyptian employees will receive specialized training both in the Czech Republic and in Egypt to ensure they can maintain and operate the locomotives by European industry standards. Škoda will work in tandem with its local business partner in Egypt for the selection and training of these personnel.

Over the ensuing nine years, Egypt will receive at least 280 modernized and refurbished locomotives, each boasting an extended service lifespan of an additional 15 to 20 years. These locomotives will also benefit from a 15-year full-service coverage. The refurbishment over the next 9 years will encompass a comprehensive overhaul and renewal of various ENR locomotive components. This includes revamping the drives and pneumatic parts, upgrading the braking systems, and renewing the wiring. Modifications to the driver's cab will see the installation of new control panels, and the train control system, TCMS, will be inspected and adjusted as necessary. Furthermore, the locomotives will be treated to a design overhaul. The second contract guarantees that ENR's locomotives will receive full-service maintenance for up to 15 years.

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