Alexandria: The iconic Raml tramway of Alexandria is preparing to suspend operations next week as authorities initiate a comprehensive modernization project, sparking a mix of anticipation and concern among locals. Operating since the 1860s, the nearly 14-kilometre (9-mile) line is renowned for its distinctive blue-and-white single and double-deck trams, which have long served as a practical mode of transport and a cultural symbol for the city. The halt marks the end of an era for a system that has become inseparable from the daily lives of tens of thousands of Alexandrians.
The overhaul is part of a broader effort to upgrade Alexandria’s urban transit infrastructure under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Authorities plan to replace the historic line with a digitally-controlled light rail system designed to increase travel speeds and passenger capacity while reducing journey times. Officials stress that the project will modernize public transport and address congestion in the densely populated city. Funding for the initiative includes approximately €138 million ($165 million) from the European Investment Bank, with the total cost projected at around €592 million ($708 million), supported in part by France’s development agency.
During construction, replacement buses are expected to operate along the tram route to maintain connectivity. However, city officials have yet to clarify all operational details, leaving commuters concerned about potential disruptions during the projected two-year construction period.
For many Alexandrians, the tram represents more than just transportation; it is a living symbol of the city’s heritage. Retired engineer Fatma Hussein, 63, recounted riding the tram since childhood. “It’s not just a means of travel. It’s our memories… our history,” she told Reuters, expressing concern over the suspension. Commuters and tourists alike have long cherished the tram for its unique charm and affordability, with fares as low as five Egyptian pounds (roughly $0.10).
While some residents welcome the modernization as a step toward improved efficiency and reliability, critics warn of possible challenges. Construction along Alexandria’s narrow streets may exacerbate congestion, and there are fears that the upgraded system could lead to higher ticket prices once completed.
The Raml tram is one of the world’s few operating double-deck tram lines, attracting visitors and serving as an enduring visual element of Alexandria’s urban landscape. Its iconic rattling along historic boulevards has inspired artists, writers, and generations of locals. Alexandria novelist Alaa Khaled reflected on childhood memories of climbing between tram levels with his father to take in city views, lamenting the potential loss of these experiences.
Urban mobility experts have also voiced concerns that the new light rail, with elevated sections designed to bypass intersections, may prioritize speed and operational efficiency over the city’s historic aesthetic. Proponents argue that modernization is necessary to support a growing population and enhance overall transit effectiveness.
The Raml tram’s suspension follows other transport disruptions in Alexandria, including the recent halting of the Abu Qir rail line for metro conversion, which has reportedly intensified congestion and strained alternative transport options. City officials insist that the modernization of the Raml tram is essential for the long-term sustainability of Alexandria’s transit network.
As the city prepares for the shutdown of one of its most beloved transport systems, Alexandrians are grappling with nostalgia, uncertainty, and hope. For tram workers like Mahmoud Ramadan, who has operated on the line for 30 years and met his wife through his work, the closure is deeply personal. “It’s your home and your life for three decades,” he said, reflecting the emotional bond many residents share with the historic tramway.
While the modern City Line trams will continue operations during the Raml line’s renovation, the impending changes underscore the tension between preserving Alexandria’s historic character and embracing the demands of a modern, efficient urban transit system.