'A crucial milestone': Construction of Jerusalem Khan station officially begins

"The high-speed rail extension will make it faster and easier for residents and visitors to reach the city center in a convenient and sustainable way," said Miri Regev.

The Transportation Ministry and Israel Railways have officially launched the construction of the Jerusalem Khan railway station, marking the next phase of extending the high-speed rail line from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem’s city center.

The 5.5-kilometer extension will include two new stations: Jerusalem Merkaz, located on Jaffa Street, and Jerusalem Khan in the German Colony.

Both stations will be situated about 60 meters underground, following the design of the Yitzhak Navon train station.

The Khan Station will be located near popular tourist spots like Bell Garden and the Old City, offering easy access to central Jerusalem.

This new station is set to integrate with the Blue and Red Light Rail lines and the future cable car to the Old City.

Construction is set to start in the upcoming weeks after the necessary permits are issued. This will happen alongside the ongoing development of Jerusalem's First Station, where work began about a year ago.

Once completed, the new line will offer 13 trains per hour in each direction, an increase from the current frequency of six. This expansion will accommodate up to 20,000 passengers per hour in both directions. To support this higher capacity, additional parking tunnels for trains will be built.

The project, which is part of Israel's 2040 railway plan, is expected to cost approximately NIS 440 million, with NIS 50 million allocated in the 2025 budget to expedite the construction of the Khan station.

According to the Transportation Ministry, the stations will be built with minimal land acquisition and surface disruption, ensuring easy access for pedestrians, residents, and tourists in Jerusalem.

'A major advancement for both transportation and the economy'

Transportation and Road Safety Minister Miri Regev stated, “Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish people, and we are committed to its growth, both above and below ground. The high-speed rail extension will make it faster and easier for residents and visitors to reach the city center in a convenient and sustainable way. Travelers will be able to take the train into the city and either walk or hop on the light rail to the Old City. With the rapidly expanding light rail network, Jerusalem will have comprehensive public transportation coverage by the end of this decade.”

Transportation Ministry Director General Moshe Ben-Zaken added, “The extension of the high-speed line to Jerusalem is a major advancement for both transportation and the economy. We are collaborating closely with Israel Railways to create a high-speed rail network that will connect key metropolitan areas, increase ridership, and provide an efficient transportation solution for all Israeli citizens.”

Chairman of Israel Railways, Adv. Moshe Shimoni, emphasized, “The construction of the Khan Station is a crucial milestone in expanding rail transport in Jerusalem, aligned with the Ministry of Transportation’s plans and Israel Railways’ policies. The high-speed rail extension, coupled with new rail connections, such as Line 431, and the development of advanced transportation hubs, will greatly enhance public transit and improve the city’s infrastructure.”

Israel Railways CEO Moshe Jana concluded, “The Jerusalem Khan Station is a key part of a strategic plan to upgrade and expand rail transportation in Jerusalem. It will vastly improve access to the city through modern, high-speed rail connections while ensuring exceptional service for passengers.”