THE first electrically-hauled test train on Israel’s A1 Link between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem has travelled the full length of the 57km new line and reached Jerusalem Navon (formerly Hauma) station.

This also marks the completion of electrification of one of the two tracks on the A1 Link. Some sections of track in the direction of Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv still have to be electrified in time for the opening of the line on September 23.

A journey time of 28 minutes is envisaged between Tel Aviv Hahagana and Jerusalem Navon, which is about 1 hour faster than using the existing service via the old line to Jerusalem Malha.