PORT SAID, Egypt, May 10 (MENA) - Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli on Saturday affirmed the key role of a factory of the National Egyptian Railway Industries Company (NERIC) in localizing the vital railway industry which is deemed one the most important transport industries that are given a top priority by the state.

The railway industry serves state's comprehensive sustainable development goals through effectively linking different spots by providing modern and sustainable transportation means that smooth the movement of people and goods transport, Madbouli said.

The premier made the remarks during a tour of the East Port Said Industrial Zone and his accompanying delegation to inspect NERIC factory.

During the tour, NERIC Managing Director Ahmed el Mofty expounded progress of the project, the manufacturing stages of the factory as well as NERIC strategy to localize railway manufacturing in Egypt.

Mofty said that the first phase of the project covers a total area of 100,000 square meters, with a production capacity of 120 carriages annually.

Almost 80 percent of the project's construction work has been finalized, while the project is expected to finalized by June 30, 2025, Mofty said, adding that all production equipment of the factory are set to be installed by July 2025.

The pilot operation of the factory will begin in July 2025 and the first metro vehicle is scheduled to be manufactured by August 2025, Mofty said, noting that the factory will release its first locally-manufactured train in July 2026. (MENA)

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