JERUSALEM, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel will extend its railway network to the southern port city of Eilat in a project expected to cost about 8 billion U.S. dollars, the Transport Ministry said on Thursday.
The line, running roughly 220 km from the current terminus at Dimona in the Negev Desert, will cut travel time from Tel Aviv to Eilat to about two hours, half the time by car, the ministry said in a statement.
Passing through the Arabah region, the route will include more than 60 bridges and five tunnels. The ministry said it would boost the local economy, create jobs, support tourism, and improve access to services in southern communities.
The line is also aimed at increasing cargo traffic through the Red Sea port, offering a safer alternative to road transport and serving as a strategic backup to Israel's Mediterranean ports at Haifa and Ashdod in the event of disruptions.
Transport Minister Miri Regev called the project "a historic move" that would ease road congestion and improve nationwide connectivity.
The ministry said the national railway will also be extended north to Kiryat Shmona, Israel's northernmost city.
