In order to accommodate rising levels of freight and passenger traffic on its expanding network and achieve higher safety standards, IR is planning to install ETCS Level 2 to replace its legacy ATP system, which is based on Indusi I60R automatic train detection with electronic and relay interlockings.

The programme covers the existing 625km network as well as 255km of new lines, and trackside deployment will be split into three stages.

Stage 1 covers a total of 89 route-km (213 track-km) with three radio block centres (RBCs) including one reserve and encompasses the Herzliya - Tel Aviv - Jerusalem Hauma corridor (via the new A1 direct link), together with the lines from Ganod Junction to Lod and Daniel Junction to Modi'in.

Passenger trains are due to begin operating with ETCS Level 2 between Modi'in and Ben Gurion Airport by July 2018, extending to Tel Aviv South by October 2018. Stage 1 will be fully operational by April 2019, enabling the operation of 17 trains per hour on the busiest section of the network.

Stage 2 covers the northern part of the network, encompassing 440 track-km including the lines from Herzeliya and Kfar Saba to Haifa and Narhariya, and the new Akko - Karmiel and Haifa - Beit Shean lines.

Stage 3 will cover a total of 780 track-km south of Tel Aviv, including the lines to Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva , Zefa, and Har Zin.

A separate tender will be issued for a contract to supply and install onboard ETCS equipment.