The subcommittee of the National Infrastructure Committee (NIC) approved the Ministry of Transportation and Israel Railways' plan to expand the Savidor Central Station in Tel Aviv - as part of the fourth track project on the Ayalon Railway.
This is another significant step in advancing one of the most important infrastructure projects in Israel, designed to increase train capacity on the Ayalon Highway, the main bottleneck of the national railway network.
The station expansion is being promoted by virtue of the 33rd General Administrative Law Act, and after the completion of the planning and coordination procedures, it is essential for the implementation of the project. As part of the work, a new platform will be added to Savidor Station (platforms 7-8), and a new passenger hall will be built, which will connect to the existing Modayi Hall, Modayi Bridge and the Stock Exchange Bridge.
In total, the station area will be expanded by approximately 12,600 square meters.
The plan is based on an advanced transportation and urban concept, which sees Savidor Central Station as a strategic transportation hub on a metropolitan scale. The station is expected to become one of the busiest in Israel, and serve as a central gateway connecting Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and the entire urban area, with an optimal combination of rail, supplementary public transportation, pedestrians and cyclists.
The planning process placed special emphasis on strengthening connectivity between the two sides of the Ayalon, including creating a new direct connection between the Modayi Hall and the Stock Exchange Bridge, in preparation for the construction of a wider and more accessible future bridge. This move is expected to significantly improve accessibility and transit between Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan.
The plan addresses the expected increase in the number of passengers in the coming years, by adding traffic spaces, planning efficient pedestrian flow, and improving accessibility and service at the station. In addition, the design incorporates advanced climatic solutions, including natural lighting, smart shading, and preparation for future air conditioning, along with adherence to the principles of green building, energy efficiency, and optimal integration into the urban environment.
The station's architectural design includes a unique structure with a cylindrical-elliptical shape, which creates a prominent presence in the urban landscape and combines advanced functionality with modern aesthetics, with an emphasis on transparency, accessibility, and a quality user experience.
The Ayalon Fourth Rail Project is a first-rate national strategic move, designed to solve one of the most complex bottlenecks in Israel's transportation system. Today, the Ayalon axis serves as the country's main rail axis, through which most of the train traffic between the north, center, and south passes.
Infrastructure limitations on this route limit the number of trains that can be operated, and hinder the ability to increase frequency, add new lines, and improve service reliability.
Adding a fourth track will allow for a significant increase in rail capacity, paving the way for dozens of additional trains to operate every hour during peak hours. This means a dramatic improvement in the frequency of lines from all over the country - from the Galilee and the valleys, through the Sharon and Gush Dan to the Negev - while shortening waiting times, increasing the service offering and making the train a central, more accessible and attractive means of transportation for the public.
Furthermore, the fourth rail is a necessary condition for realizing the future development plans of the railway network, including new rail connections, expanding suburban services, and increasing connectivity between employment, residential, and leisure centers.
The project directly supports economic growth, strengthens the periphery through a fast and efficient connection to the center, and contributes to reducing traffic congestion on the roads and reducing air pollution.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: "The expansion of Savidor Central Station and the promotion of the fourth track on the Ayalon are not just engineering projects, but a national move that connects regions, reduces gaps and creates new opportunities for all Israeli citizens. We will continue to invest in advanced infrastructure, increase train capacity and improve passenger service, to ensure an efficient, accessible and reliable public transportation system for years to come.".
