Trains in Israel run with frequent disruptions - reasons named

The article analyzes the reasons for frequent train disruptions in Israel despite multi-billion shekel investments. Key factors include a massive system overhaul involving electrification, line expansion, and growing passenger traffic. The vulnerability of the overhead contact line and a chain reaction of delays worsen the situation, while official reliability statistics do not reflect passenger perception.

An article by Kursor analyzes the reasons for frequent disruptions in the operation of Israeli railways, despite multi-billion shekel state investments. Passengers regularly face delays due to technical malfunctions that can paralyze entire sections of the network. The main reason is a massive system overhaul: the railway is simultaneously expanding, electrifying, upgrading infrastructure, and serving a growing passenger traffic. In 2024, trains carried about 65 million passengers, with approximately 610 trains running daily. By 2040, authorities plan to increase passenger traffic to 300 million trips per year. Up to 46 billion shekels have been allocated for the development of the industry until 2026. A key reform is the transition from diesel to electric traction, involving about 420 km of overhead contact line and 14 traction substations, with the main phase completion by March 2027. Electrification complicates the system: a malfunction of one element can halt traffic on a large section. In July 2026, a power grid failure paralyzed service between Tel Aviv and Lod, and a fire near Be'er Ya'akov disrupted traffic on several lines. The most vulnerable part remains the overhead contact line: in August 2025, a freight train damaged it, stopping traffic for six days, with damage estimated at tens of millions of shekels. An investigation revealed systemic problems: malfunctions occurred repeatedly, equipment was not replaced in a timely manner, and frequent changes in management weakened the accumulation of experience. Official statistics show 95.12% punctuality in the first quarter of 2025, but the average figure does not reflect the consequences of major disruptions that lead to missed transfers and meetings. Unfinished modernization, including the Eastern Railway and Project 431, also creates problems.