Haifa-Nazareth NofiT Light Rail Awarded to Alstom-Led Consortium

Israel's Ministry of Transport and Trans Israel have awarded the finance, build, design, and operate contract for the NofiT Light Rail connecting Haifa and Nazareth to a consortium comprising Alstom, Electra, and Minrav. The 1 billion euro project will create a 41 km line with 20 stations, serving an estimated 120,000 passengers per day. Alstom's share of the project exceeds 700 million euro, including a 140 million euro maintenance contract. The French rail giant will be responsible for design, engineering, supply, integration, testing, and commissioning of the entire light rail system, including tracks, electrification, signalling, communication systems, depot equipment, and the supply and maintenance of 54 Citadis trams. The NofiT line is unique in Israel, combining urban and inter-urban public transportation in a single corridor. Ten stations will be integrated at street level, while the remaining ten will be elevated. Services will run every four minutes during peak hours, with speeds reaching up to 100 km/h on inter-urban sections. The 85,000 square meter depot will be located in Kiryat Ata, with rooftop solar power generation planned for the facility. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2029. The project represents a transformative investment in northern Israel's public transit infrastructure, connecting two of the region's largest cities and providing a viable alternative to the heavily congested Route 75 highway corridor.