Jerusalem’s A1 rail line set for expansion into Bible Hill

Thursday, April 18, 2024

The National Committee for Design & Construction of Infrastructure recently granted approval for an ambitious extension of Israel Railways’ A1 line, which is poised to significantly enhance railway travel and tourism in Jerusalem. Since its inception in 2018 as a shuttle service from Ben Gurion Airport and its formal commencement of through services from Tel Aviv in December 2019, the A1 line has become a vital transit route. This line, predominantly tunneled through mountainous terrain, concludes at the deep-level Jerusalem Navon station.

The approved 3 km extension, endorsed on April 8, is planned to extend entirely through tunnels, starting from the existing Jerusalem Navon station and reaching a new underground station in the city’s Bible Hill district. This area is historically significant, lying beneath the old terminus of the former Jaffa – Jerusalem railway, now a bustling hub for entertainment and recreation.

Furthermore, an intermediate station is proposed along Jaffa Street Road in central Jerusalem. This station would serve as a crucial interchange point with the city’s existing Red and Blue light rail lines, thereby improving accessibility and easing travel across Jerusalem for both residents and tourists.

Although no specific timeline has been set for the construction of this extension, Israel Railways (ISR) has projected that the new section could support 13 train journeys in each direction per day, which currently terminate at Jerusalem Navon. This development is expected to connect various parts of the country more effectively, thereby boosting the tourism sector significantly.

The extension of the A1 line is anticipated to not only improve the daily commute for thousands but also attract more tourists to the historic and cultural sites of Jerusalem. The integration with other local transit services through the new stations will facilitate easier, more efficient travel, likely increasing visitor numbers to the city’s central and historically significant areas.

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