Passengers take a monorail train in Cairo, Egypt, May 6, 2026. Egypt on Wednesday began operating its first monorail passenger service as part of efforts to expand green mass transit, the Transportation Ministry said. The first phase of the project includes 16 stations and runs from Al-Moshir Tantawi Station in New Cairo to Justice City Station in the New Administrative Capital, the ministry said in a statement. It will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Photo: Xinhua)

CAIRO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Wednesday began operating its first monorail passenger service as part of efforts to expand green mass transit, the Transportation Ministry said.

The first phase of the project includes 16 stations and runs from Al-Moshir Tantawi Station in New Cairo to Justice City Station in the New Administrative Capital, the ministry said in a statement. It will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir described the launch as a "significant milestone" for Egypt's transport sector, calling it a step toward faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly public transportation.

Officials said the system is expected to help ease traffic congestion, cut fuel consumption, and reduce pollution by encouraging a shift away from private cars.

The first phase is part of the 56.5-km East Nile line, which serves areas from Nasr City in eastern Cairo to the New Administrative Capital, around 50 km east of Cairo.

Egypt is developing two monorail lines totaling more than 100 km. The second, the West Nile line, will run from Mohandessin in Cairo to 6th of October City, with 13 stations connecting western suburbs to the capital's transport network.