A court order overruling Minister of Economy Aryeh Deri “stop work” decision allows Israel Railways to continue maintenance and construction work on Saturdays.
The high-speed railway to Jerusalem - the first line to run on electricity, is estimated to cost around NIS 7 billion, including the construction of two 56-kilometer tracks from Tel Aviv to the entrance of Jerusalem, as well as five tunnels - totaling 20 kilometers - and eight bridges.
Israeli Railways can continue carrying out maintenance work and construction of the new high-speed Jerusalem-to Tel Aviv rail line on Saturday after the Justice Ministry and the Supreme Court out-maneuvered Minister of Economy's decision.
Deri had claimed that Israeli Railways did not obtain a legal permit for working on Saturdays, and he ordered that work on the rail line be halted. Israel Railways claimed that Deri’s decision would delay the inauguration of the high-speed train by 2 years.
The high-speed railway will be the main rail link between the two bustling cities and by definition is the first of its kind in Israel. The trains will run at a speed of 160 kilometers/hour, running four trains an hour during peak times of the day.
This breakthrough in travel will be life-changing for commuters and visitors throughout Israel, connecting Israel's main metropolitan centers, increasing access to both cities and easing travel from Jerusalem to the airport. The project's completion will revolutionize one of Israel's main commuting routes.
