Each train will be formed of a diesel-electric locomotive, a generator car and 14 passenger coaches. The sets will seat 492 passengers across first and standard class, with spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.

The HVAC system will be designed to cope with the Egyptian climate, with passenger Wi-Fi throughout the train and seat-back LED screens in first class.

Talgo will form an Egyptian subsidiary, which will maintain the fleet for eight years.

Tendering for the order, which is being financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), began in August 2016 and final bids were submitted in October 2018. Deliveries are due to take place in 2021-2022.

In February German Rail (DB) awarded Talgo a contract to supply up to 100 'ECx' push-pull trains with an initial order for 23 sets.

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