Danya Wins First Tender for High-Speed Rail Project Slashing Haifa-Tel Aviv Travel

Danya Cebus has been awarded the first tender for the construction of the initial segment of Israel's high-speed coastal railway, connecting Haifa to Dor. The project, expected to commence in the coming weeks with an investment of hundreds of millions of shekels, is a significant step towards realizing the goal of reducing travel time between Haifa and Tel Aviv to approximately 30 minutes, with a single stop in Hadera.

The overall high-speed rail project is estimated to cost around 17 billion shekels, with a projected completion date of 2035. This initial tender allows construction to begin, but the full operationalization of the line still faces numerous hurdles, including the completion of remaining segments, stations, and operational systems.

Danya Cebus will be responsible for building two electrified tracks, railway bridges, noise reduction barriers, service roads, and drainage systems. The scope of work also includes the installation of electrical, signaling, and communication infrastructure. This segment is part of a broader plan to expand the coastal railway line between Hof HaCarmel and Shefayim, adding two tracks alongside the existing two over approximately 68 kilometers.

The new infrastructure will allow high-speed trains to operate separately from slower, local trains, thereby reducing delays and increasing service frequency. The plan also involves upgrading existing stations and constructing new ones, including a station near Shefayim. A route modification between Binyamina and Hadera is planned to enable trains to maintain high speeds. While about ten stations are planned along the segment, the express service will only stop in Hadera, with other stations served by suburban trains. The Haifa segment is designed to accommodate up to 30,000 passengers per hour during peak times.

While the 30-minute travel time is a significant improvement, experts caution that the actual commute from home to work will be longer, factoring in travel to and from stations and potential waiting times. Effective coordination with bus lines and public transport is crucial to fully realize the time-saving benefits. The project, initiated in 2012, has faced numerous delays due to disputes over the route, objections, and administrative hurdles, including seven petitions that delayed final approval in 2023. The completion of the segment between Hof HaCarmel and Haifa Bay, which includes tunnels, is also pending. The 2035 target remains dependent on budget allocation, final planning approvals, and construction pace. For Danya Cebus, this tender represents substantial work for the coming years, with profitability contingent on contract terms, costs, and adherence to the schedule.