Israel's network expansion programme and technological upgrades are set to revolutionise rail transport in the country in the next four to five years. Kevin Smith visits facilities in Haifa and Lod to see how the railway is preparing for the transition.
Three major new line construction projects are underway in Israel which will extend the network to new areas and improve connectivity. Kevin Smith profiles the A1 Link, the Valley Line, and Acre - Carmiel line projects.
Once the butt of jokes for its poor reliability and slow journey times, Israel Railways is undergoing a radical transformation which promises to turn it into a competitive and viable means of transport for more and more people. CEO Boaz Tzafrir outlines to Kevin Smith how the company is delivering these improvements.
ISRAEL's transport minister Mr Israel Katz approved on February 3 what is claimed to be the country's largest railway budget which calls for an investment of Shekels 28.3bn ($US 7.24bn) until 2020.
ISRAEL Railways (IR) has issued an invitation to prequalify for a design-build contract for the trackside element of the first stage of its national ERTMS rollout.
ISRAEL Railways (IR) announced on December 6 that it has selected Sociedad Española de Montajes Industriales (Semi), Spain, as preferred bidder for a design-build-maintain contract for the country's electrification programme.
BOMBARDIER confirmed on October 20 that it has signed a Shekels 1bn ($US 262m) contract with Israel Railways (IR) to supply 62 four-axle Traxx ac electric locomotives with an option for 32 additional units.
A milestone was reached in the construction of Israel's 70km Ashkelon-Beer-Sheva line at the beginning of August when the signalling system was activated making the line operational.
ISRAEL Railways (IR) has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for six NGT26CW diesel-electric locomotives, ordered from National Railway Equipment (NRE), United States, and assembled by TZV Gredelj, Croatia.
ISRAEL's transport minister Mr Israel Katz has approved the appointment of Mr Kathriel Moriya as the first general manager of Israel Railways' new subsidiary Rail Cargo.