Rakevet Israel notified the Ministry of Finance of delays in the implementation of key projects

The Israeli railway company (Rakevet Israel) sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport, notifying that the deadlines set for the implementation of three key transport projects are impracticable, the portal ynet reports.

In particular, Rakevet Israel called the start date for the launch of the Eastern Railway (a north-south railway corridor bypassing Gush Dan) by April 2026 unrealistic, since flaws were discovered that require elimination.

At the same time, the company does not indicate a new launch date, since “the contractor responsible for the electrification of the tracks is in a state of crisis, making it difficult to progress the work.” A new date will be announced only after the electrification crisis is resolved.

The launch date for Line 431, connecting Rishon Lezion, Ramle, Modi’in and Jerusalem, has been delayed to the first quarter of 2028 “due to challenges in clearing significant obstacles, including delays in the electrification process.”

In addition, a key part of the signaling system upgrade, designed to improve train safety while increasing railway capacity, which was due to be implemented back in August 2025, has been postponed until the summer of 2026.