In a meeting of the Jerusalem District Committee, development scenarios for the city by 2050 were presented, with projections indicating a population increase to 1.8 million residents. One scenario includes establishing a metro system to address overcrowding, air pollution, and traffic congestion. Concurrently, a tender has been published to assess the project’s feasibility, which is expected to occur in 2025. The chairperson of the district committee stated, “This is an exciting and vital vision.”
By Dror Nir Kastel, Nadlan Center
Initial Planning for a Metro in Jerusalem: The Planning Administration held a discussion today (Monday) led by CEO Rafi Almalich in the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee. During this meeting, the development scenarios for Jerusalem for 2050 were presented for the first time, including advancing a metro system. However, it should be noted that this is an early stage in terms of timelines for the start and completion of construction. Establishing a metro system in Jerusalem is a large-scale national infrastructure project, with preliminary investment estimates ranging from 34 to 50 billion shekels.
The work, led by the Infrastructure Division of the Planning Administration, results from a joint initiative involving several entities, including the Ministry of Transport, the Jerusalem Municipality, and the Urban Transport Master Plan team. Based on an analysis of demographic, economic, and transport data, this work examines the long-term implications of urban density in Jerusalem, targeting the year 2050 when the city’s population is expected to reach 1.8 million.
The development scenarios include a metro system that provides efficient and rapid transit while supporting the expected population growth and reducing reliance on private vehicles. According to forecasts, maintaining the city’s unique character alongside the anticipated population increase will require high rates of urban renewal—between 70% and 80% of new construction.
The underground metro system is presented as a necessary tool to tackle the anticipated population and traffic growth. During the discussion, a review was provided on the significant progress made in the past two decades in advancing public transport in Jerusalem, particularly regarding the light rail network. The red line has been operational for about a decade, while the blue and green lines are under construction, with the rail network expected to be fully operational by the end of the decade. Simultaneously, the Urban Transport Master Plan team published a tender to assess the project’s feasibility, scheduled for 2025.
The metro system is expected to complement existing transport systems and significantly contribute to reducing air pollution and traffic congestion in Jerusalem by encouraging the use of public transport and decreasing dependence on private cars. The metro will provide convenient and rapid access to the city center and employment hubs for residents of peripheral neighborhoods, enhancing access to essential services. However, the Planning Administration has indicated that this is still an early stage regarding timelines for the start and completion of the work. According to initial estimates, the anticipated investment in the metro ranges from 34 to 50 billion shekels.
The work also emphasizes the importance of urban renewal as a tool for urban densification and proposes policies to incentivize urban renewal in strategic areas near future metro stations. It also examines the economic and social potential inherent in urban densification, such as job creation and encouraging investments while ensuring residents’ high quality of life and accessibility to public services and green spaces. Furthermore, the work promotes principles of green building and sustainable development, providing a knowledge base for strategic decision-making regarding the future of the capital.
Advancing a Metro for the City is an Exciting and Vital Vision
Rafi Almalich, CEO of the Planning Administration, stated: “This is a historic day. In addition to complementary urban work, we have presented an advanced planning process for metro lines in record time. Jerusalem is experiencing unprecedented development momentum, so a metro system is critical to prepare for this. This national challenge requires collaboration between government ministries, local authorities, and all involved parties. We are proud to lead this process and work together for the future of Jerusalem, allowing us to create a modern, accessible, and advanced city that meets the needs of its residents.”
Yael Solomon, Deputy Director of Infrastructure at the Planning Administration, added: “The metro system is the city’s backbone, which, according to the development scenarios presented, deserves and needs it. The metro will enable us to support the expected population growth and facilitate the urban densification necessary to create a thriving, sustainable city accessible to all its residents.”
The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee Chairperson, Shira Talmi-Babai, concluded: “The metro plan will enable the continuation of the city’s development trends for employment and housing. It will strengthen Jerusalem’s position as a metropolitan center and make the city more pleasant, comfortable, and accessible, focusing on mixed-use development, a 15-minute city, and a multi-centric urban environment. Advancing a metro for the city is an exciting and vital vision. The metro network will complement the light rail system and facilitate ongoing urban development for employment and housing while improving transport services and enhancing quality of life in the city.”
