CAF Wins €450m Cairo Metro Modernization Maintenance Contracts
Spanish manufacturer CAF signs 3 contracts with Egypt's NAT worth €450m+: Line 2 modernization and Lines 1-2 maintenance over 10 years.
TrainsNews 
Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF has finalized three significant contracts with Egypt's National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), valued at over €450 million total, focusing on modernization and long-term maintenance of fleets operating on Cairo Metro Lines 1 and 2.
Updated on September 20, 2025
CAF has signed three agreements with NAT covering comprehensive modernization of 39 Line 2 units and maintenance of fleets on Lines 1 and 2 of the Cairo network. These contracts, worth over €450 million, mark a turning point in Spanish-Egyptian collaboration in urban transport.
Breakdown of the Three NAT/CAF Contracts
The global agreement breaks down into three distinct components: modernization of 39 Line 2 trains, their 10-year maintenance, and maintenance of 23 Line 1 trains.
Contract Summary and Value
| Contract Component | Scope | Term/Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 Modernization | Service life extension, tech upgrades | 39 trains; +30-year service life |
| Line 2 Maintenance | Complete fleet maintenance | 10 years (concurrent with modernization) |
| Line 1 Maintenance | Complete fleet maintenance | 23 trains; 10 years |
Grand Total: Over €450 million
Parties: CAF (Spain) and NAT (Egypt's National Authority for Tunnels)
Deep Dive into Line 2 Modernization: Extending Service Life by 30 Years
The modernization of 39 Line 2 trains aims to extend their service life by an additional 30 years through major technical interventions.
Key Technical Replacements & Upgrades:
- Replacement of traction equipment
- Installation of new Train Control and Management System (TCMS)
- Replacement of auxiliary converters
- Upgrade to braking system
Passenger Experience Enhancements:
- Complete interior refurbishment
- Installation of new passenger information systems
- New CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) systems
- Introduction of onboard Wi-Fi
Comprehensive Long-Term Maintenance and Depot Upgrades
Line 2 Maintenance and Infrastructure
CAF will maintain the modernized Line 2 trains for 10 years, running concurrently with modernization work. The Shubra workshops will be upgraded to support maintenance operations and mass production related to the fleet modernization program.
Line 1 Maintenance Commitment
The third contract covers complete maintenance of 23 trains operating on Line 1 for 10 years. This maintenance period begins after CAF completes the prior modernization contract signed in 2021. CAF is also refurbishing the Line 1 fleet maintenance depot at Kozzika.
The Financial Backing: How FIEM Supports Spanish Exports
CAF states that the three contracts awarded by NAT will be financed by the Business Internationalisation Fund (FIEM), administered by Spain's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business.
Funding Source: FIEM is an instrument that promotes public financing for flagship projects developed by Spanish companies in international markets.
Context & Stakes
These contracts align with Egypt's urban transport modernization strategy and technology transfer goals. The Cairo Metro, one of Africa's oldest networks, requires massive investment to maintain operational performance.
For CAF, these agreements strengthen its presence in the Egyptian market following previous projects and confirm its capacity to support major railway modernization programs across Africa and the Middle East.
Cairo Metro passengers will benefit from significant improvements: more reliable trains through technical modernization, enhanced comfort with interior renovations, better information via new onboard systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The decade-long maintenance ensures optimized train availability and reduced breakdowns, improving service regularity on both affected lines.
