Israel has laid the cornerstone for a multibillion‑dollar metro system in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, billed as the country’s largest infrastructure project.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transport Minister Miri Regev attended the ceremony at the Segula depot in Petah Tikva, part of the planned M2 line. The network will feature three lines spanning 150 kilometers with 109 underground stations across 24 municipalities.
Officials say the system, powered by a dedicated station and more than 1,000 rail cars, will carry up to 2 million passengers a day and integrate with existing rail and bus services. The state‑owned NTA transit company estimates the 150‑billion‑shekel ($47 billion) project could save the economy 25 billion shekels annually by reducing congestion.
Regev said the metro would “change Israel’s transportation map” and support urban renewal and economic growth in central Israel. Preparatory work began in October, with Thursday’s ceremony marking the start of construction.
