The number 431 train line connects the southern coastal area to Modi’in and Jerusalem via a series of bridges and tunnels. The cost of the project which is expected to transport 15,000 passengers daily is NIS 3.2 billion.

Israel Railways announced on Tuesday that it has selected the Electra Infrastructures LTD. to construct a portion of the line which connects the southern coastal area to Modi’in and Jerusalem. The Ministry of Transportation and Israel Railways will construct 30km (18 miles) of electric track, 6km (3.6 miles) of bridges, including the longest train bridge in Israel, 3.5km, and a 1km (0.6 mile) tunnel.

The Electra Infrastructures leg of the track costs NIS 400 million, one of twenty central sections of the project including the 5.5km, two train bridges and a tunnel. In phase one, two trains will run each hour in each direction. The frequency will be increased gradually to four per hour in each direction.

This will significantly shorten the travel time between Rishon L’Tzion Moshe Dayan to Modi’in by a half hour, as well as the travel time between Rishon Moshe Dayan to Jerusalem Yitzchak Navon Station by 45 minutes.

The first phase will connect the ‘Western Negev train’ track from Rishon L’Tzion Moshe Dayan, via the Rishon L’Tzion station to Anabah Interchange via the express track to Jerusalem and Modi’in.

The project completion date is set for 2026 at which time the train service will begin at the pace of two trains hourly in each direction during rush hour. In the next phase, with the planned expansion to the Modi’in and Jerusalem’s Yitzchak Navon Station, service will increase to four trains an hour in each direction during rush hour. Eventually, the line is expected to service 15,000 passengers daily.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)