Residents of Gush Etzion could soon enjoy a direct light rail connection to Jerusalem under a new proposal announced by Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev.

The planned line would provide the first direct rail link between Gush Etzion and Jerusalem, offering faster travel times, reduced congestion, and expanded public transportation options for residents of Efrat, Betar Illit, and surrounding communities.

The announcement follows years of efforts to improve transportation along the busy Route 60 and Tunnels Road corridor, one of the primary routes connecting southern Jerusalem with Gush Etzion.

According to the Gush Etzion Regional Council, the project would become a key part of a broader transportation upgrade that includes road expansions, new traffic routes, and additional public transit solutions throughout the region.

While no final route, budget, or construction timetable has yet been released, local leaders hailed the proposal as a major milestone.

Gush Etzion Regional Council head Yaron Rosenthal called the announcement “historic news” and said the rail line would strengthen the connection between Gush Etzion and Jerusalem while helping accommodate the region’s continued growth.

The project would mark a significant shift for thousands of commuters who currently rely primarily on cars and buses to travel between Gush Etzion and the capital.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)