High-Speed Rail Line to Connect Tel Aviv and Haifa

The Israeli government has launched a major infrastructure project — a high-speed rail line will link Tel Aviv and Haifa, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Ministry of Finance has already allocated $88 million (300 million shekels) to the Ministry of Transport for the initial phase. These funds will support planning, land preparation, and the start of construction.

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High-speed rail line to reshape Israel’s transport network

This new high-speed rail line is part of a larger national plan to modernize the railway system. The route will span 68 kilometers, and trains will operate at speeds of up to 250 km/h.

The project was approved in December 2021, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place in December 2024. Completion is scheduled for 2029, with the plan including both the construction of new stations and large-scale upgrades to existing ones.

The project budget stands at $4.55 billion (15.5 billion shekels), but this does not include the cost of rolling stock, which is expected to require several additional billions of dollars.

High-speed rail line as a step into Israel’s transport future

The Ministry of Transport has set an ambitious goal — to increase annual railway passenger trips fivefold by 2040, reaching 300 million. The high-speed rail line will play a crucial role in meeting this target, as it boosts regional connectivity and supports economic growth.

In addition, Israel is prioritizing eco-friendly transport solutions to reduce pressure on highways. High-speed rail not only saves time and resources but also accelerates the adoption of cutting-edge infrastructure technologies.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the “Coastal Railway” project has been designated as a key component of Israel’s long-term transportation strategy.

FAQ

What is a high-speed rail line and how does it work?

It’s a railway where trains run at 250 km/h or more using dedicated infrastructure and advanced traffic management systems.

When will full construction of the high-speed rail line begin?

Preparatory work is already underway. Major construction began after the December 2024 groundbreaking.

Will travel time between Tel Aviv and Haifa be cut to 30 minutes?

Estimates suggest the journey will take around 30–40 minutes — about half the time of current routes.

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