Calabria’s high-speed rail project faces significant delays, despite intentions for development. The European Union aims for rail lines to support speeds of at least 160 km/h by 2040. Italy, however, announced plans for a new high-speed line connecting Salerno to Reggio Calabria, with a goal of reaching speeds of 300 km/h. Unfortunately, actual construction efforts currently focus largely on northern Calabria.
Current Status of High-Speed Rail in Calabria
The overall geographic situation demonstrates that the ambitious 2040 map provided by the EU shows substantial gaps in southern Italy. As it stands, the high-speed network effectively halts just before entering Calabria, particularly near Praia a Mare. Beyond this point, travelers can expect an enhanced traditional rail system operating at speeds of 160-200 km/h.
Investment and Upcoming Projects
- RFI/FS Italiane is progressing with Lot 1A (Battipaglia–Romagnano), anticipating completion by December 2026.
- Subsequent project phases, 1B and 1C, have provisional completion dates of 2030 and 2032 respectively.
- The total estimated cost for the necessary investments exceeds €17 billion.
The scheduled improvements aim to streamline rail travel from Rome to Reggio Calabria in about 3 hours and 40 minutes to 4 hours. However, achieving this requires significant upgrades, including the construction of new rail lines rather than merely accelerating existing routes.
The Santomarco Tunnel: A Key Development
One of the major advancements is the doubling of the Santomarco Tunnel, which is set to enhance connectivity between Paola and Cosenza. This project encompasses a stretch of 22 km featuring a dual track designed for high-speed capabilities. The contract for this vital segment was awarded for approximately €1.6 billion. Its completion is essential to reduce historical traffic constraints and ensure efficient transportation of goods, especially from the port of Gioia Tauro.
Financial Aspects and Challenges
The total financial requirement for the rail improvements has been estimated at over €17 billion, as confirmed by the Corte dei Conti. Funding will derive from multiple sources, including the PNRR and national budgets, presenting potential funding instability influenced by political priorities.
Future of High-Speed Rail in Calabria
Looking ahead to 2040, significant upgrades are anticipated to boost rail service quality in Calabria. However, a complete high-speed rail service reaching 250-300 km/h to Reggio Calabria remains uncertain. Without comprehensive development plans and reliable funding, Calabria risks remaining on the fringe of Italy’s high-speed rail network.
A fully integrated high-speed network could reduce travel times significantly while enhancing the region’s economic landscape, impacting tourism and connectivity to key ports and airports. The pressing question remains: will the necessary political will and resources materialize to realize these aspirations?
