This Day in History: The Story of Haifa's Underground Train

For many years, there was talk of building an electric train in Haifa, designed to connect the residential areas on Mount Carmel with the Port of Haifa. The idea was conceived and partially developed during the British Mandate, but real progress and construction began only after the establishment of the State of Israel, spurred on by the city's rapid growth at that time.

Abba Hushi, the then-mayor of Haifa, championed the idea. Funding was secured, and engineers from Paris arrived to build the train. Indeed, on the 4th of Tishrei, 5720, the Carmelit, featuring six stations, was inaugurated. The Carmelit's movement was unique, relying primarily on the downhill gradient and the weight of the cars, rather than a traditional engine.

Over the years, the Carmelit faced engineering and safety issues, causing its operation to be intermittently halted and resumed. Its necessity gradually diminished, and today, its usage is predominantly for tourism.