Alstom and its consortium partners have achieved financial close for Israel’s Haifa-Nazareth (NofiT) light rail project, securing a crucial milestone in the execution of one of the nation’s largest public transit developments.
Granted in 2024 by Trans Israel, the venture will construct a 41-kilometer light rail network featuring 20 stations to link Haifa, Nazareth, and adjacent localities. Designed to accommodate roughly 100,000 riders every day, the corridor aims to enhance access to jobs, schools, and key services while curbing traffic bottlenecks and environmental emissions.
Reaching this financial milestone highlights the strong coordination among the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, the Ministry of Finance, Trans Israel, and the consortium entities in progressing a premier national transit initiative.
Project Cost
Estimated at nearly €2 billion, the endeavor marks a major capital injection into northern Israel’s public transit network. Alstom’s portion is priced at roughly €750 million, covering design, engineering, system integration, equipment delivery, testing, commissioning, and extended maintenance services.
“Reaching financial close is a major achievement for the NofiT light rail project and demonstrates the strong commitment of all partners involved,” stated Yael Rosenman Gross, Managing Director of Alstom Israel. “This milestone allows us to move forward with confidence and begin delivering a mobility solution that will improve connectivity, support economic development and benefit communities across northern Israel for decades to come.”
Developing Consortium
A consortium formed by Alstom, Electra Ltd., and Minrav Ltd. is spearheading the execution of the contract.
Under the framework, Electra Ltd. and Minrav Ltd. will manage civil engineering and infrastructure buildouts, with ongoing operations and maintenance later handled by a specialized joint venture involving Electra Afikim, Minrav, and Alstom.
Following financial close, the initiative advances into an active execution stage. Construction and installation work will proceed over the coming years, bringing northern Israel closer to an updated transit system built to boost regional integration, foster economic expansion, and offer sustainable transit choices.
Lastly, this project alongside others such as the Kuwait National Rail Road reinstate the Middle East as a leading railway infrastructure developer globally. Other countries that are actively developing railway infrastructure in the region include Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
Haifa-Nazareth (NofiT) Light Rail: Project Factsheet
Project Name: Haifa–Nazareth Light Rail Project (NofiT)
Project Type: Intercity and urban tram-train light rail system
Client / Managing Authority: Trans Israel (Cross Israel Highway Co.)
Consortium Partners:
- Alstom (Rail systems, integration, testing, commissioning, and long-term O&M)
- Electra Ltd. (Civil engineering & infrastructure works)
- Minrav Ltd. (Civil engineering & infrastructure works)
Operations and Maintenance (O&M): Dedicated Joint Venture between Electra Afikim, Minrav, and Alstom
Cost: €2 billion (7 billion NIS)
Alstom Contract Share: €750 million
Technical & Infrastructure Specifications
- Route Length: 41 kilometers
- Stations: 20 stations across the route
- Expected Daily Ridership: 100,000 passengers
Maximum Speed:
- Intercity Sections: Up to 100 km/h
- Urban Sections: Up to 50 km/h
Key Scope of Works:
- Civil Works and Infrastructure: Trackbed, bridges, and stations led by Electra Ltd. and Minrav Ltd.
- Rail Systems: Electrification, energy-efficient power supply, signaling, communication systems, and depot equipment provided by Alstom.
Key Timeline & Milestones
- Tender Award: 2024
- Financial Close: Achieved (Transitioning into construction and system delivery stage)
- Delivery Phase: Active construction, infrastructure installation, systems integration, and testing underway in the coming years.
Strategic and Regional Impact
- Geographic Reach: Connects Haifa (Merkazit HaMifratz transport hub), Kiryat Ata, Nof HaGalil, Nazareth, and adjacent regional communities.
Key Benefits:
- Enhances access to regional employment, education, and social services.
- Curbs road traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions across northern Israel.
- Establishes a single, seamless green transport connection between the Haifa metropolis and the Galilee.
Project Team
Alstom Israel: Lead Systems & Rolling Stock Partner
Trans Israel and Government Authorities: Client and Managing Authority
Electra Ltd: Consortium Partner & Civil Works Lead
Minrav Ltd: Consortium Partner & Civil Works Lead
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