On July 19, local Egyptian time, a signaling technology training hosted by CASCO kicked off at Egypt’s Higher Institute of Transportation Technology (HITT), a specialized railway institution under the Ministry of Transport. The training, held in the newly-built China-Egypt Railway Signaling Intelligent Control Lab, welcomed 15 local university faculty and students as the first trainees. They will take a month-long program of theoretical learning and practical assessments. This event marked the lab’s official inauguration, injecting new technological momentum into Sino-Egypt collaboration.
Co-built by CASCO and AVIC International, the lab was established at HITT through joint efforts from Chinese and Egyptian partners. It introduced advanced rail transit signaling technologies and systems, including CBTC simulation system and iLOCK-IIE full-electronic computer interlocking system. The lab covers both urban rail and national railway systems, and integrates functions such as teaching, hands-on training, technology R&D, and testing, aiming to become Egypt’s most advanced and comprehensive rail transit signaling lab.
Inauguration Ceremony for the First Training Program
As the lab’s core technology provider, CASCO leveraged its ongoing projects in Egypt to embed cutting-edge signaling technologies locally. By deeply understanding and addressing Egypt’s rail transit development needs, it expanded Sino-Egypt cooperation from project construction to localized capacity building in talent cultivation and technological R&D. This initiative supports Egypt in nurturing skilled professionals and strengthening technological foundations for rail transit development.
Based on the 10th of Ramadan Railway, CASCO developed a CBTC simulation system for the lab, equipped with key equipment such as the iVP200 intelligent simulation and verification platform, DCS cabinets, and driver simulation consoles. Through functional expansion and scenario optimization, the system creates simulated training environment covering signaling system operation, simulated driver, and signaling system maintenance. It enables immersive practice for dispatchers, station staff, and train drivers.
VCP Large Screen of CBTC Simulation System and Driver’s View System
CASCO also provided its independently developed iLOCK-IIE full-electronic computer interlocking system, which is highly integrated, intelligent, and cost-effective, to meet Egypt’s urgent demands for railway modernization and equipment upgrade. Based on HITT’s on-campus railway station prototype, the system was customized to meet the theoretical and practical training needs for signal operators and maintenance personnel, and empower Egypt’s intelligent railway development.
iLOCK-IIE Full-Electronic Interlocking System Cabinets
As CASCO’s first overseas rail transit signaling lab, the China-Egypt Railway Signaling Intelligent Control Laboratory marks a breakthrough in exporting its technologies abroad and enhances the company’s brand influence in international markets. Looking ahead, CASCO will use the lab as a platform to collaborate with Chinese and Egyptian partners, adopt the model of “construction driving projects, education fostering skills, and learning driving research”. This approach aims to advance the application of Chinese rail transit technologies and services in Egypt, North Africa, and the Arab region, supporting high-quality local rail development.
