by InTrieste
In a move aimed at modernizing critical rail connections in northeastern Italy, the regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has approved an agreement with Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), the country’s railway infrastructure operator. The initiative will explore potential infrastructure upgrades on three key rail lines: Casarsa-Portogruaro, Sacile-Gemona, and Trieste-Venice.
The agreement, proposed by Regional Councillor for Infrastructure Cristina Amirante, marks a significant investment in the region’s transport future. The government has allocated €500,000 to fund a feasibility study, which RFI will conduct to assess alternative project designs for improving connectivity across the mentioned rail lines. The study will also evaluate a potential new connection to the Portogruaro-Trieste line.
Addressing Longstanding Issues
The Casarsa-Portogruaro line, which has faced operational challenges, will be a particular focus of the study. Proposed interventions include the elimination of level crossings and the construction of new rail curves. “It’s crucial to identify the best solutions to maximize the efficiency of this essential line,” said Councillor Amirante in a statement. “This line serves as a vital link between the region’s two main east-west networks: the Trieste-Venice line, which runs through Cervignano and Udine, and the Sacile-Gemona line.”
A Timeline for Change
The feasibility study, to be completed within 21 months, will incorporate a comprehensive transport analysis and a comparative review of potential route alternatives. The final document is expected to provide a roadmap for enhancing rail connectivity in western Friuli, a region increasingly seen as a strategic corridor for both passenger and freight transport.
Complementary Efforts
This project aligns with a broader plan by RFI to upgrade the Udine-Venice line, an initiative slated to begin in 2025. That project, focused on technological and infrastructural enhancements, aims to speed up travel times and improve overall service efficiency.
The dual efforts reflect a growing recognition of the role infrastructure plays in regional development. For Friuli Venezia Giulia, these upgrades promise not only to address existing bottlenecks but also to position the region as a more integral part of Italy’s national rail network.
With its strategic location bordering Austria and Slovenia, the region’s investments in rail infrastructure underscore its ambitions to become a hub for European transit and connectivity. The feasibility study’s findings will be closely watched, both for their impact on local communities and their potential to reshape regional mobility.
Interview: Regional Councilor for Infrastructure Cristina Amirante
