Egypt–Sudan Railway Committee
Egypt–Sudan Railway Committee (ESRC) is a multinational committee that was created in 2008 to promote railway connecting lines between Egypt and Sudan. [1]
Plan
[edit]The proposed railway line to link the two countries is between Aswan and Wadi Halfa. The line will be around 500 km in length. [2]
The plan with distance is as follows:
Aswan (0 km)
border (450 km)
Wadi Halfa (500 km)
Khartoum capital {900 km)
Timeline
[edit]2021
[edit]- Agreement [3]
Challenges
[edit]The main problem is the difference in terms of gauge between the two countries which lead to a Break of gauge.
Egypt has the standard gauge of 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) whereas Sudan uses a narrow gauge of 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) . [2]
It is expected that the line between Khartoum and Wadi Halfa would be upgraded to standard gauge. [4]
Standard gauge would also enhance the extension of the line to serve other countries in the Nile valley.
Other challenges include adoption of
Ferry
[edit]A weekly ferry service on the Nile River connects the Egyptian railhead at Aswan with the Sudan railhead at Wadi Halfa.[5] This ferry is made redundant by the new rail link.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "EGYPT-SUDAN RAIL LINK". Railways Africa. 31 May 2008. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008.
- ^ a b "Build Railways for Peace in Africa". Mathaba. 29 May 2008. Archived from the original on 22 November 2008. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
- ^ EG-SU Agreement
- ^ "Egypt and Sudan to cooperate on international rail link". IRJ.
- ^ "How to travel by train & ferry from Cairo to Khartoum & Sudan". The Man in Seat 61.