Israel is seeking expressions of interest from private sector parties for a 170km high-speed rail connection between the cities of Tel Aviv and Eilat.
The exact route of the proposed NIS2.5bn ($682m) railway has not been disclosed.
The double-track rail line will have eight stations, 63 bridges, five tunnels and will also be used for carrying freight such as cargo and vehicles, according to globes.co.il.
The line is expected to carry more than 3.5 million passengers a year.
