Israel Should Electrify Tracks Says Bombardier

Laurent Troger, a Senior Executive at Bombardier Group, has recommended that Israel should go ahead with electrifying its 420 km railway network as soon as possible.

Speaking at the International Transportation Conference this week in Ramat Gan, he said, “It would provide a significant opportunity to enhance the transportation.”

Investment in rail infrastructure to bring it up to Western standards and modern operating systems would save more energy and provide citizens with a sustainable transportation solution, “The climate is right for trains all over the world” he continued.

Railways account for only 0.6% of carbon dioxide emissions from transportation in the European Union, while road traffic accounts for around 70%. Metro systems, trains and trams address a range of city challenges, including congestion, urbanisation and population growth.

There have been environmental objections raised over the required high-voltage electricity lines if the country goes ahead with electrification. However, Troger stressed this is a stable and secure proven solution that is employed all over Western Europe and the rest of the world.

Bombardier currently operate on many Israeli railway routes and Troger confirmed that they would hope to offer a competitive tender should the government take forward its long-standing plans to electrify tracks.