A consortium of Israeli banks led by Bank Leumi has finalized a NIS 9.6 billion (approximately $3.1 billion) financing agreement for the construction and operation of the Nofit light rail project.
The new railway will connect the northern Israeli cities of Haifa and Nazareth. The project aims to improve regional transportation, make public transit more accessible, and reduce travel times for residents.
The line will serve three key areas
The Nofit light rail will provide service to the Haifa metropolitan area, the Krayot region, as well as Nof HaGalil and Nazareth. The project is expected to improve connectivity and help ease road congestion across northern Israel.
41-kilometer route with 20 stations
The new light rail line will stretch 41 kilometers and include 20 stations, transit terminals, and Park & Ride facilities.
More than 30 electric-powered light rail vehicles will operate on the route at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph), with trains arriving every 4 to 10 minutes.
Around 100,000 passengers per day
Powered by electricity and equipped with advanced green technology, the system is expected to serve approximately 100,000 passengers daily, including commuters, students, and other travelers.
Completion planned for 2029
State-owned Trans Israel was appointed to oversee the project in 2024. Construction and implementation will be carried out by a consortium consisting of Electra, Minrav, and Alstom.
Although construction has been delayed by about one year due to the ongoing war, the Nofit light rail network is still expected to be completed in 2029.
Source: jns.org
