Italy occupies a strategic position in the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), an ambitious project of the European Union which aims to create a network of integrated multimodal infrastructures, capable of ensuring sustainable mobility and efficient connectivity between member countries. EU Regulation 2024/1679, The recently approved draft law consolidates our country's importance in the European context, with a particular focus on railway infrastructure to improve freight and passenger traffic.
The TEN-T network in Italy
Italy is crossed by two of the main corridors of the central network (Core Network) of the TEN-T:
- Mediterranean Corridor:
- It connects eastern Spain with Hungary, passing through France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.
- In Italy, the corridor involves strategic railway infrastructures such as the Turin-Milan-Venice-Trieste line and connections with the ports of Genoa, Livorno and Trieste.
- It aims to boost rail freight transport, connecting the main industrial hubs of northern Italy with European markets.
- Rhine-Alpine Corridor:
- It departs from the North Sea ports (Rotterdam and Antwerp) and arrives in Genoa.
- In Italy, it crosses the Gotthard Pass and the Simplon Tunnel, with Genoa as a crucial hub for freight traffic between Central Europe and the Mediterranean.
Key railway projects in Italy
1. Turin-Lyon line (Mont Cenis Base Tunnel)
- One of the most emblematic projects of the TEN-T, fundamental for the Mediterranean Corridor.
- Once completed, it will allow a significant portion of freight traffic to be shifted from road to rail, reducing CO2 emissions and increasing logistics capacity between Italy and France.
- The Mont Cenis Base Tunnel, approximately 57.5 km long, will be one of the longest railway tunnels in the world.
2. Strengthening the Milan hub
- Milan is a strategic hub for both passenger and freight traffic.
- The planned interventions aim to improve the capacity of regional and high-speed railway lines, effectively connecting national routes with European corridors.
3. Verona-Brennero connection (Brenner Base Tunnel)
- Part of the Rhine-Alpine Corridor, this project aims to facilitate rail traffic between Italy and Austria.
- The 55 km long Brenner Base Tunnel will significantly reduce travel times and increase the competitiveness of rail freight transport compared to road.
4. Strengthening of railway ports
- Ports such as Genoa and Trieste are central to the TEN-T network in Italy.
- Significant investments are earmarked to improve rail connections between ports and inland logistics areas, promoting intermodal transport.
Future railway developments
Italy, in line with EU regulations, aims to:
- Railway digitalisation:
- Introduction of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on all main lines by 2030.
- Greater interoperability between Italian and European railway networks.
- Reducing infrastructure bottlenecks:
- Elimination of bottlenecks at strategic hubs such as Milan, Bologna, and Naples.
- Strengthening transalpine lines to support a greater volume of freight traffic.
- Promoting sustainability:
- Incentives to shift freight transport from road to rail, reducing environmental impact.
- Increasing the energy efficiency of railway infrastructure, with the integration of green technologies.
- High-speed connections:
- Expansion of the high-speed network towards southern Italy to reduce the infrastructure gap with the north.
- Improved connections between the main Italian cities and European hubs.
The impact of the TEN-T on Italy
Thanks to TEN-T projects, Italy will see:
- Greater economic competitivenessRail corridors will improve logistics and make exports more efficient.
- Reducing emissionsShifting traffic from road to rail will contribute to the EU's climate goals.
- Revitalization of peripheral areasNew infrastructure will ensure connectivity even in less developed regions.
Conclusion
EU Regulation 2024/1679 offers Italy a unique opportunity to strengthen its position in the European transport landscape. The centrality of railways, combined with the adoption of innovative technologies and environmental sustainability, lays the foundation for a greener and more competitive future. However, implementing these projects will require strong collaboration between institutions, local authorities, and private sectors, as well as a concrete commitment to meeting the deadlines set by the EU.