The Galil Railways plan, which includes four new railway lines, recently entered into accelerated planning at the Ministry of Transportation and the Netiv Yisrael Company, Gal Chen of Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reported.

According to the report, a railway line 60 kilometers (36 miles) long will be constructed connecting Kiryat Shmona and Carmiel, with 22 of those kilometers in a tunnel in the Meron area. Two stations are planned along the railway track at Chananya Junction in the Tzefas area.

The estimated construction cost is NIS 10 billion – the most expensive rail project in Israel’s history. If the electric infrastructure is laid all the way from Kiryat Shmona to Tel Aviv, the journey between the cities is expected to take only two hours.

The second line included in the plan will connect Tiveria and Afula. The Netiv Yisrael Company is considering a light railway line, not a ‘heavy’ train like that of Israel Railways, which will allow flexibility in the route of the line. In such a case, it will be possible to enter small communities along the route. The estimated cost of the project is NIS 3 billion.

In addition, “Mesilot Menashe ” and “Mesilot Charish”, are the companies that will connect Afula and Carmiel to the “Eastern Railroad”, which will be constructed parallel to Highway 6. This route will allow access from Tel Aviv to the north, without passing through Haifa and the coastline.

The Ministry of Transport is preparing to open all the new Galil lines in 2030.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)