Israel has officially launched the first phase of its long-awaited Tel Aviv metro project — a massive national infrastructure venture valued at roughly 65 billion shekels ($20 billion).
The NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System and the Transportation Ministry announced Sunday the opening of the pre-qualification (PQ) stage for Israeli and international firms seeking to compete in the construction tenders. The tenders themselves are expected to open in late 2026, with more than 10 companies likely to be selected for the work.
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Simulation of the Tel Aviv metro project
(Photo: NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System)
The first phase includes the construction of about 78 kilometers (48 miles) of twin tunnels and 59 underground stations, forming the inner ring of the metro network’s three planned lines. This portion is expected to deliver the greatest transportation and economic benefits.
Each participating company will need to meet strict criteria for technical experience, financial strength, and proven execution capacity to move forward to the bidding stage. The NTA emphasized that adherence to timelines, safety, and quality management will be non-negotiable requirements.
To complete the tunneling, the project will employ around 20 tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) and consume more than 1.25 million concrete segments. Over 16,000 workers, many of them international experts, will take part in the construction effort.
However, the project faces geopolitical and logistical hurdles. Some global firms have expressed hesitancy to operate in Israel amid security concerns and potential boycotts in other markets. Another key uncertainty involves whether Chinese companies will be allowed to bid, given growing U.S.-Israel tensions over Chinese involvement in strategic infrastructure.
The metro’s governing body, the Israel Metro Authority, has also faced internal challenges. Its chairman, Uzi Yitzhaki, resigned last month after only five months in the role, leaving the key position temporarily vacant. The chairman is responsible for clearing bureaucratic obstacles between government agencies, municipalities, and utility companies — any of which could cause costly delays.
Given the scale of the project, at least 10 firms are expected to divide responsibility for different sections, requiring extensive coordination. The companies must also present plans for managing major engineering challenges — such as disposing of 40 million cubic meters of excavated earth, hiring 18,000 additional workers, building a dedicated power station, and developing seven multimodal transport hubs to link the metro with heavy rail and bus systems.
The project’s completion date remains fluid, projected between 2037 and 2040.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev called the launch a “historic moment for the State of Israel,” describing the metro as “an enormous challenge and a tremendous opportunity for renewal and investment.”
NTA Chair Yodfat Afek Arazi said the metro “will transform Israel’s future” and requires “full cooperation between ministries, local authorities, and the public.”
NTA CEO Itamar Ben Meir added: “The metro is far more than a transportation project — it’s a social and economic engine that will drive Israel’s growth forward.”
Once completed, the Tel Aviv metro network will span 300 kilometers (186 miles) with 109 underground stations, connecting 24 municipalities across central Israel. It is expected to handle over 600 million passenger trips annually, or more than 800 million when combined with the light rail — saving the economy an estimated 34 billion shekels ($9 billion) each year through improved mobility and productivity.