Rishon LeZion–Modi'in Railway on Track for Late 2026 Opening, Creating Vital East-West Link

Israel Railways has confirmed that the long-awaited Rishon LeZion–Modi'in Railway remains on schedule for a late 2026 opening, marking a significant milestone in the country's effort to build a comprehensive national rail network with stronger east-west connectivity south of Tel Aviv. The 30-kilometer rail line, which has been under construction since 2019, will create a crucial lateral corridor connecting three of Israel's busiest north-south rail lines: the Tel Aviv–Ashkelon, Tel Aviv–Beersheba, and Tel Aviv–Jerusalem routes. For the first time, commuters traveling between the central and southern regions will have a direct rail alternative to the congested Highway 431 and Highway 1 corridors. ## Project Scope and Engineering Challenges The project encompasses the construction of new stations, grade-separated crossings, and several kilometers of elevated track designed to navigate the rolling terrain of the Shephelah foothills. Engineers have had to contend with complex geological conditions, including limestone formations and underground aquifers, requiring specialized tunneling and foundation techniques. A senior Israel Railways project manager told reporters that the line includes two intermediate stations in addition to terminals at Rishon LeZion HaMizrah and Modi'in Central, providing connectivity to the rapidly growing residential communities of the region. "This is more than a railway line — it is the spine of a new suburban mobility corridor that will reshape how hundreds of thousands of residents commute," the official said. ## Economic and Urban Impact The Modi'in metropolitan area, home to over 100,000 residents, has long suffered from limited public transit options, with most commuters relying on buses or private vehicles to reach employment centers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The new rail link is expected to cut travel times significantly, with projected journey times of approximately 25 minutes from Modi'in to Rishon LeZion. Real estate analysts predict the railway will drive property values upward in station-adjacent neighborhoods, with some estimates projecting 8–12 percent appreciation within two years of opening. The line is also expected to catalyze commercial development around stations, following the transit-oriented development model Israel Railways has embraced in recent years. ## Integration with National Network The Rishon LeZion–Modi'in line is part of a broader NIS 60 billion national rail investment program that includes the Eastern Railway, the high-speed coastal line to Haifa, and the Tel Aviv Metro. Together, these projects aim to transform Israel from a car-dependent country into one with a modern, interconnected rail network capable of serving a population projected to reach 15 million by 2048. Israel Railways CEO emphasized that the new east-west link will enable "network effects" — allowing passengers to transfer seamlessly between lines and reach destinations previously accessible only by car. "Every new line we open doesn't just add capacity — it multiplies the usefulness of the entire system," he said. Test runs on the line are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with commercial service launching before year-end pending safety certifications from the Ministry of Transport.