ELECTRIC trains connecting Modi’in Center with Jerusalem via the new 57km Tel Aviv-Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon ‘A1’ line began operation on March 31.
The new town of Modi’in has been built since the 1990s, inside Israel close to the border with the part Palestinian run West Bank. The town’s first station opened in 2007 with services initially to Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coastal line.
The new services, which use a triangular junction with the A1 line, are operated by new Siemens-made Desiro HC (High Capacity) part double deck EMUs, built in Europe. These are based on similar trains in use in Germany, although they are equipped with better air conditioning to cope with more extreme heat.
Initially 24 Desiro HC trains (18x6car and 6x4 car) have been ordered, most of which are now delivered, although the contract envisages further orders for 60 in total.