Israel Sets in Motion the Tel Aviv Metro, the Largest Infrastructure Project in Its History

After months of anticipation, NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd. finally released on November 10, 2025, the Invitation for Pre-Qualification (PQ 589/2025) for the Participation in Tenders for the Execution of Infra #1 Works of the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Metro Lines.

This publication comes after years of preparation, conferences, and consultations with international players. The progress of this ambitious project was somewhat delayed or, at least challenged, by the October 7 attacks and the war in Gaza.

The Tel Aviv Metro is the most expensive project in the history of Israeli infrastructure, with an estimated budget of approximately ILS 150 billion (USD 43 billion). A number of international contenders are expected to participate, with NTA aiming to attract participants from Europe and especially East Asia (India and South Korea).

Tel Aviv Metro Project Overview

The Tel Aviv Metro is to consist of three mostly underground lines, spanning approximately 150 km and 109 stations. Stage 1, the subject of this PQ, covers 76 km of tunnels and 59 underground stations, divided into 11 Infra #1 work packages.

This division into 11 independent tenders increases the possibility of international contractors submitting and winning bids.

Four of the 11 planned Infra #1 work packages are also expected to include the design and construction of underground stations and/or crossovers.

Anticipated Schedule

The anticipated deadline for submitting requests for clarification (RFCs) is March 5, 2026. The projected deadline for submitting PQ applications is April 29, 2026.

PQ Process Structure

NTA is seeking participants through two distinct submission tracks:

Type A: These submissions must demonstrate tunneling experience (TBM tunnels) and cut & cover experience (C&C) only.

Type B: These submissions must demonstrate TBM tunnels experience, C&C experience, and mining experience (mined underground structures).

Participants may submit to Type A only, Type B only, or both, so long as each application is submitted as a standalone PQ package with its own set of forms and supporting documents.

Flexibility

To ease market entry for international players, NTA is allowing for flexibility in bidder composition, through “update processes” in 2027 and 2028. These update processes will enable participants to change partners, add members, or replace entities in the joint venture’s composition.

Key Professional Requirements

Compliance with each of the professional requirements must be demonstrated by a single “demonstrating entity” (the participant, a joint venture member, or an experience provider). This entity may also rely on works executed by an associated party (parent company, subsidiary, or sister company).

1. TBM tunneling experience (mandatory for all participants)

The demonstrating entity must have been primarily responsible for the construction and completion (since January 1, 2010) of at least one of the following:

• One single bore TBM tunnel of a minimum length of at least 3 continuous kilometers.
• One twin bore TBM tunnel of a minimum length of at least 1.5 continuous kilometers in each direction.
• Two single bore TBM tunnels of a minimum length of at least 1.5 continuous kilometers each.

The tunnels must have been constructed (in whole or in part) in an urban area, at least one must pass through an underground structure, and at least one must be constructed (in whole or in part) below the groundwater table.

2. C&C experience (mandatory for all participants)

The demonstrating entity must demonstrate primary responsibility for the completion (since January 1, 2015) of at least two (2) C&C underground structures that comply with the following requirements:

• In each structure, at least one underground level must have a total internal surface area (footprint) of at least 2,400 square meters.
• At least one structure must have been part of a design-build project.
• The demonstrating entity must demonstrate primary responsibility for dewatering groundwater during the construction of at least one C&C underground structure with an underground level footprint of at least 1,500 square meters.

3. Mined experience (mandatory for Type B submissions)

For Type B submissions, the demonstrating entity must demonstrate primary responsibility for the completion (since January 1, 2015) of at least one mined underground structure that meets the following criteria:

• The construction method was conventional tunneling (excluding drill & blast) utilizing pre-support measures.
• The cross-sectional face of the excavated cavern was at least 80 square meters.
• The total excavated cavern volume was at least 10,000 cubic meters.
• Excavation was performed in soft ground conditions.
• The construction was performed, in whole or in part, below the groundwater table.
• The structure was part of a design-build project.

Financial Requirements

Financial thresholds (turnover, equity, operating cash flow, etc.) apply to each member or guarantor as relevant. Joint ventures may aggregate turnover, but each individual member must meet equity and cash flow requirements.

Legal Advice

International contractors interested in applying to the invitation should seek legal counsel in connection with the legal provisions and specific requirements of the invitation. This update is not an exhaustive summary and does not replace proper legal review of the invitation.

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Adv. Samuel Henri Samuel is a partner in the firm’s Infrastructure and Project Finance Department.

Our firm possesses practical, international, and multidisciplinary experience in the infrastructure and project finance sector. Owing to the complexity of the field, these projects require deep understanding and a well of expertise. We have been involved in a number of prominent and complicated projects in Israel. We provide legal advice from as early as the preliminary qualification and tender stages, assist in negotiating and drafting contracts and agreements with subcontractors and suppliers, aid in financial closing, and counsel throughout all project procedures.