Israel Railway Electrification – Israel Railways

In view of the development trends of Israel Railways, the increasing demand for rail transport and the demand for increased service, it was decided to implement the electric program to replace the existing diesel (electric) propulsion system. Electric propulsion is a more modern, reliable and economical method than diesel propulsion.

In the framework of the installation of the electric program and in accordance with Subsection 18, the OCS infrastructure will be established in the first stage over the railway lines on main lines of 420 km. Cargo trains are not included in the electric program and are expected to continue operating on a diesel-powered basis.

The project will begin in 2016, and the railway network will be gradually activated by 2021. The first line will be the highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.