Jerusalem, 14 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Plans for a Dimona-Eilat Railway are being revived. The Ministry of Transportation presented initial planning for a strategic connection from the north to Eilat on a high-speed rail line.

The new planned track, which is approximately 220 kilometers long, will extend the section approved in 2021 between Be’er Sheba and Dimona and will allow for the first time a direct and fast connection from the center to the Red Sea in a journey of only about two hours from Tel Aviv to Eilat.

The track will pass through the Arava settlements, and the Ministry said it will strengthen the local economy, contribute to the tourism industry, expand employment opportunities and increase accessibility to services for residents of the south.

“The project is expected to significantly increase the volume of cargo transportation to and from the Port of Eilat, provide a fast and safe alternative to road transportation, reduce the traffic volumes of trucks and heavy vehicles and improve the level of safety on the roads of the south,” said the Ministry. “In addition, the railway will constitute a strategic backup for the Mediterranean ports in the event of disruptions and will enable a direct connection to the ports of Haifa and Ashdod.”

Gil Tanenbaum

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