Israel Aims for 300 Million Annual Trips on Fast Electric Trains by 2040

Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced a significant achievement in the nation’s long-term development plan, as Israel Railways completed the upgrade of its signalling system to electronic signalling across the country in recent days.

The ministry explained that transitioning to electronic signalling will serve as the foundation for integrating the new tracks currently under construction.

The upgrades also encompass the adoption of “the most advanced railway technologies,” including electrification, railway cellular frequencies for control, and enhancements to service and travel safety.

The ministry described all of this as “another step on the way to the 2040 vision of the Israel Ministry of Transport and Railways,” where it expects 300 million trips will be made every year in the country on advanced electric trains that travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h.

The transition project from electric signalling to electronic signalling started in 2014 and involved the establishment of 22 control and command systems at the stations, the laying of 250 km of communication infrastructure, and the installation of all the various signalling components; signalers, switches, and other safety systems.

Consequently, a rail sequence was established at all passenger stations with advanced, innovative, and safer electronic signalling, facilitating the ongoing integration of new sections of track currently under construction.

The ministry added that, “thanks to the new system, the management of train traffic by the railway control and control centre will be improved, and the level of service and safety will be improved.”