Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, the Minister of Transport, inspected the development works of the Western Desert Road, which extends for 1226 km. The inspection focused on the section from Dairout to Assiut, covering a distance of 72 km. The minister stressed the importance of adhering to quality and safety standards during the project's implementation.
The project aims to transform the road into a 6-lane highway in the direction of Cairo, consisting of 3 lanes for the main road and 3 lanes for service roads. In the direction of Aswan, it also includes 6 lanes with the same distribution. The total width of the road reaches 46 meters.
Details of the Development
The minister followed up on the implementation status of the remaining sectors of the project, noting the presidential inauguration of the section from Cairo to Minya, which is 230 km long, in December 2021, followed by the opening of the section from Minya to Qusiah, which is 60 km long, in March 2023. The road has been developed to consist of 6 lanes towards Assiut, with 3 lanes for the main road and 3 lanes for an asphalt road designated for trucks.
The minister also pointed out the completion of the section from Al-Sabahiya to Edfu, which is 25 km long, and from Edfu to Aswan, which is 87.5 km long, while work continues on the section from Qusiah to Assiut, covering 57 km, and from Luxor to Al-Sabahiya, which is 113 km long.
Background & Context
These projects are part of the state's plan to develop infrastructure in Upper Egypt, where the establishment of 35 integrated transverse axes has been planned, bringing the total number of axes to 73, including 22 axes in Upper Egypt. The implementation of 19 axes has been completed, including 14 axes in Upper Egypt, with work continuing on 7 other axes.
The minister also monitored the implementation rates of the Abu Tieg axis in Assiut Governorate, which is 27.55 km long and 23 meters wide. The first phase of the axis includes the construction of a concrete bridge over the Nile River and the western agricultural road.
Impact & Consequences
These projects contribute to facilitating transportation between different regions, enhancing trade, and reducing road accidents. They also support industrial, agricultural, and tourism development plans in the surrounding areas.
The minister emphasized the importance of adhering to the specified timelines and maintaining the highest quality and safety standards in execution, achieving the project's goals of facilitating the movement of citizens and goods.
Regional Significance
The development of these roads is part of the Cairo-Cape Town axis, which facilitates trade movement between African countries. It also reflects the Egyptian government's commitment to improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable development in the region.
In conclusion, these efforts highlight the importance of infrastructure development as a means to improve quality of life and enhance economic development in Upper Egypt.