The infrastructure work on many of Israeli Railways’ lines will leave half the country without access to trains for at least three weeks, the company’s management announced Sunday.
The management said they are using the national lockout across the country, when movement between cities is already limited, to complete the rail electrification project. As a result, stations across central and southern Israel will be closed from January 12 to February 3.
Tel Aviv Hagana railway station is the southernmost station for anyone coming from the north, and those living in the south will find that they cannot fully use the rail service.
The stations that will be closed for the duration of the infrastructure works are: Rosh HaAyin North, Petah Tikva Segula, Petah Tikva Kiryat Arye, Bnei Brak, Lod, Lod-Ganei Aviv, Kfar Habad, Modi’in Center, Pa’ate Modi ‘in, Jerusalem Yitzchak Navon, Holon Junction, Holon Wolfson, Bat Yam-Yoseftal, Bat Yam-Komemiyut, Ramla, Beit Shemesh, Be’er Yaakov, Rishon LeTsiyon Rishonim, Rishon LeTsiyon Moshe Dayan, Rehovot, Yavne East, Yavne West, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Sderot, Netivot, Ofakim, Mazkeret Batya, Kiryat Malachi-Yoav, Kiryat Gat, Lehavim Rahat, Be’er Sheva North, Be’er Sheva Center, Dimona.
“The work will be carried out along many lines in the midlands and south and will include infrastructure, maintenance and improvement work, the refurbishment of railway track sections, the refurbishment of existing routes and more, “Israel Railways said in a statement.
In response, the Israeli Railways workers’ union said the unilateral decision would mean a fifth of the company’s employees would be left without work for nearly a month. The union has said that if the issue is not resolved, it will avoid infrastructure work.