Cairo's ambitious monorail reaches for China scale but lacks commuters

TransportationSteep fares have drawn criticism since launchThe Cairo Monorail passes one of the largest mosques in Egypt. The elevated route is designed to carry commuters and others to and from an ambitious new capital being built in the desert. (Photo by Yuta Koga)YUTA KOGAJuly 19, 2026 12:51 JSTCAIRO -- Egypt has started operating part of what is set to become the world's second-longest single-route monorail line after one in China, designed to whisk commuters and tourists across nearly 57 kilometers of elevated track linking Cairo to a lavish new capital being built in the desert.