Israel Railways implements advanced traffic control system
Following the successful launch of the system in the Jerusalem, Modiin, and Ayalon areas, test runs have begun on the Karmiel-Ahihud line. The new ETCS Level 2 technology will increase train frequency, improve safety, and enhance operational precision.
Israel Railways, led by the Ministry of Transport, is expanding its pilot project in the north of the country for the implementation of ETCS Level 2 — the most advanced rail control and command system in the world. In recent days, the first test runs have begun with empty trains on the Karmiel-Ahihud line, all controlled by the new system. The move is intended to increase train frequency, improve service levels, and upgrade travel safety for hundreds of thousands of passengers daily.
This expansion follows the successful pilot in the center of the country and is part of the Ministry of Transport's policy to promote technological innovation and increase network capacity. Israel Railways is among the first railway companies in the world to complete infrastructure adaptation for this technology, as part of a comprehensive project that includes three main components: installing equipment along the tracks, installing dedicated components in carriages and locomotives, and establishing GSMR — an independent, secure, and precise mobile communication network connecting trains to control centers.
Implementing the system, alongside the continued conversion of the rail network to electric operation, allows for increased train frequency on existing infrastructure, improved traffic management, and enhanced operational precision. The impact of the technology is already being felt on the ground: in recent weeks, a pilot has been underway to add a third train per hour on the line to Jerusalem — a step made possible thanks to the capabilities of the ETCS system.
A train in the Gilon tunnel on the line to Karmiel, where test runs have begun. Credit: Israel Railways Spokesperson
Chairman of the Board of Israel Railways, Avner Flor, stated:
"The project to transition to the ERTMS ETCS Level 2 signaling and communication system, which is expanding these days with the start of test runs in the north of the country, will lead Israel Railways into the future and toward meeting its national goals. This is for the sake of improving service for passengers and increasing rail capacity on existing track infrastructure, alongside a significant upgrade in travel safety, while promoting technological innovation in the rail sector."
Acting CEO of Israel Railways, Avi Almaliah, noted:
"The start of test and trial runs in the north of the country marks another significant milestone in the project to transition to the ERTMS system and the most advanced signaling system in the world, ETCS Level 2, which will place Israel at the global forefront of rail innovation and will enable the welcome growth in the number of passengers and the improvement of the fabric of life throughout the country."
