Japanese offering to build Ashdot (Port) - Ela high-speed rail

Trains Magazine Passenger
1

A Japanese consortium is negotiating with the MOT in Israel to build a high speed train from near Eilat to Ashdod.

The Japanese will build the system, {they say 2 years}, and run High Speed trains -only containers- , to Europe from the Indian Ocean.
They want to bypass the Suez Canal.

They want exclusive use of this rail from midnight to 6 am.

At other times they will allow Israel rail to use the tracks.

Among other things they are suggesting to also build a number of retirement and vacation villages -along this track-and develop the Negev.

The appropriate Israeli ministries are interested, but actin

2

Is the Suez Canal nearing capacity?

3

No, but the transit fees are oretty high from what I understand.

4

Might the service play a role similar to the Panama Canal Railroad; transshipping/sorting cargo boxes to allow more efficient use of ships, and provide better shipping options?

5

That appears to be the purpose.

6

Google Maps shows the highway between those locations going through Be’er Sheva. Isn’t that where you live? Or go to frequently.

It’s also the southern end of the Israel Railways map line. How would this new line afect that?

7

Where is the money comming from?

…“Show me the money!”