JERUSALEM, Israel, Jan 28, 2026 – Israel Railways made its first appearance at CES 2026, drawing interest from investors. Exhibiting in the Israel National Pavilion, the national rail operator presented AI and sensor technologies in use within its rail operations. Demonstrations included obstacle-detection cameras designed to identify track hazards and support rail safety. Israel Railways also showed railcar-mounted systems used to detect underground utilities without excavation, which can reduce disruption during construction and maintenance. The showcase placed Israel Railways in the context of advanced rail infrastructure and smart mobility, linking conventional rail networks with applied AI systems.
Explosive Passenger Growth Meets Game-Changing Tech
Annual ridership on Israel Railways has reached 70 million passengers and is projected to more than double over the next five years. Forecasts put total ridership at about 155 million by the early 2030s, rising to 300 million by 2040. To manage growth without new construction, Israel Railways is working with Israeli startups to deploy AI-based technologies that expand network capacity and improve operations.
“We are not just building tracks – we are building the future of connected, intelligent transportation,” said Adv. Moshe Shimoni, chairman of Israel Railways. “By opening our systems to world-class innovation, we’ve accelerated development dramatically. We’re actively seeking disruptive startups globally to collaborate and scale these technologies.”
Standout Innovations Steal the Spotlight
- RailVision‘s AI safety systems – RailVision is running obstacle-detection systems on Israel’s main rail lines, providing hazard awareness for train operations. At CES 2026, Rail Vision CEO David Ben highlighted how deployed detection systems support safer and reliable rail operations by identifying track hazards.
- Exodigo‘s rail-mounted underground mapping – Exodigo has adapted its AI-based remote-sensing platform for use on railcars, generating 3D models of utilities and infrastructure beneath tracks. The approach reduces the need for excavation without advance subsurface data, which can limit project delays, costs and service disruptions in dense urban areas. Exodigo CEO, Jeremy Suard said the technology supports safer rail expansion while working within urban infrastructure constraints.
- DirecTrains‘ coupling/decoupling technology at high speeds (DC) – Alberto (Tito) Mandler, CEO of DirecTrains, has worked with Israel Railways for nearly five years, running measurements and tests to validate DC compatibility. Mandler said: “Our innovation allows trains to couple and decouple at high-speeds, effectively doubling line capacity without laying new tracks – delivering major efficiency gains and flexibility within existing infrastructure.”
Broader Vision: Regional Connectivity and Global Impact
The tech showcase was framed by Acting CEO Avi Elmaliach within geopolitical and economic objectives tied to the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The proposed corridor would link India to Europe through Gulf ports, rail connections across Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and Israel’s Port of Haifa. Elmaliach commented: “Our rail expansions aren’t just domestic, they form critical links to neighboring countries, fostering peace, trade, and economic growth across the region.”
Innovation Lead, Hagay Rozenfeld added: “I’m the connector. Show me diamonds in productive innovation – AI, sensors, anything disruptive – and if it’s good enough, I can help make it happen for passengers, partners, and the world.”
Tangible Momentum from CES 2026
CES 2026 drew rail operators from Europe, Asia and North America, along with multiple delegations and visitors. Discussions explored potential international pilots for AI hazard detection, onboard security monitoring and advanced track visualization. As cities push toward sustainable transportation systems, Israel Railways’ CES 2026 debut pointed to a future where national rail networks use AI to support interconnected urban mobility.
Source: Israel Railways
About Israel Railways
Israel Railways Ltd. operates Israel’s national passenger and freight rail network, serving cities, metropolitan areas and regional communities nationwide. The company runs about 600 trains daily to transport passengers and commercial freight. Its services support commuters, long-distance travelers, logistics providers and rail-reliant industries. Israel Railways was founded in 2003 as a government-owned corporation, with operational roots in rail systems developed after Israel’s establishment in 1948. The company is headquartered in Lod, Central District, Israel. Its network spans more than 1,100 km of track and includes dozens of passenger stations. Israel Railways employs between 4,300 and 5,600 people as of January 2026. The company manages rail infrastructure, scheduling, ticketing and freight operations. It oversees maintenance, safety compliance and capital programs, including electrification, network expansion and technology upgrades. Freight customers include construction, manufacturing, energy and port-related distribution sectors. Passenger services connect major urban centers with regional and outlying areas.
About RailVision
Rail Vision designs and develops railway detection systems used for safety monitoring and maintenance planning. The company produces electro-optic sensor platforms, including MainLine and ShuntingYard systems, that detect track hazards and transmit alerts. Rail Vision serves passenger rail operators, freight rail companies and rail infrastructure owners. It was founded in 2016. The company is headquartered in Ra’anana, Israel. Rail Vision integrates hardware, software and data services to support real-time monitoring of rail corridors. Its systems operate in varied weather and lighting conditions to assist train operators and control centers. The company also provides mapping tools and cloud-based analytics linked to its detection platforms. Rail Vision works with national railways and private operators to integrate systems into existing fleets and networks. Rail Vision employs about 60 people worldwide.
About Exodigo
Exodigo develops nonintrusive subsurface mapping services that identify buried infrastructure without excavation. The company combines sensing technologies, three-dimensional imaging and data analysis to produce underground maps. Its services support planning, risk assessment and utility identification for infrastructure projects. Exodigo serves utilities, energy companies, transportation agencies, engineering firms and government entities. The company was founded in 2021. Exodigo is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, and operates an office in Palo Alto, CA. Its work supports construction, civil engineering and public works projects. The company delivers mapping data, project support and integration assistance for design and construction workflows. Exodigo operates across North America, Europe and the Middle East. Exodigo employs about 320 people worldwide.
About DirecTrains
DirecTrains develops dynamic train coupling technology that allows trains to connect and disconnect while moving. The company designs hardware and control systems intended for use on existing rail lines. Its approach targets parcel delivery and freight operations by enabling cargo wagons to join scheduled trains in transit. DirecTrains serves rail operators, logistics providers, parcel delivery companies and infrastructure managers. The company was founded in 2021. Its headquarters is in Haifa, Israel, with additional activity in Tel Aviv and Zichron Yaakov. DirecTrains conducts field tests and pilot programs with rail partners in Europe and other regions. These efforts evaluate operational performance and integration with current rail services.