Palermo-Catania-Messina High-Capacity Rail Project Profile

The Palermo-Catania-Messina high-capacity railway project is a strategic infrastructure initiative designed to modernize Sicily’s primary transport axis. The project involves extensive upgrades, including double-tracking, electrification, and the construction of new tunnels and viaducts to significantly reduce travel times and increase freight capacity. This profile outlines the technical specifications, objectives, and key stakeholders involved in delivering this transformative upgrade to European standards.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project is the upgrade of the existing railway to meet modern high-capacity and interoperability standards. This involves the construction of 75 km of new double-track line between Fiumetorto and Bicocca, a critical section of the Palermo-Catania route. The engineering scope is substantial, featuring the development of over 62 km of tunnels, including 20 km of parallel tunnels on the Fiumetorto-Lercara Diramazione lots alone. The project also includes approximately 25 km of new viaducts to navigate Sicily’s challenging terrain. Electrification across the line and the installation of modern signaling systems, compliant with European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI), will enable increased traffic frequency and speed. Key sections, such as the Giampilieri-Fiumefreddo track, are being doubled to further enhance capacity on the Messina-Catania corridor, while urban segments in Catania will see sections relocated underground to reduce environmental and noise impact.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Economic Integration: The project directly connects Sicily’s three largest metropolitan areas and economic hubs—Palermo, Catania, and Messina—drastically reducing travel time for passengers and goods, fostering regional economic development.
• European Standards Compliance: By implementing double-tracking, electrification, and advanced signaling systems compliant with TSI, the line will be fully integrated into the European TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) Scandinavia-Mediterranean Corridor, enhancing international connectivity.
• Sustainable Mobility Shift: The upgrade provides a competitive, high-speed rail alternative to road transport, projected to significantly shift passenger and freight traffic from highways to the more sustainable rail network, reducing carbon emissions and road congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the new Palermo-Catania railway line be finished?

The entire Palermo-Catania-Messina railway modernization project is scheduled for completion in 2029. Work is being carried out in several functional lots, with different sections becoming operational progressively before the final completion date.

Who is building the high-capacity railway in Sicily?

The construction is being executed by several expert groups. A primary consortium led by Webuild and Ghella is responsible for the majority of the Palermo-Catania lots. A joint venture between the Eteria consortium (Vianini Lavori and ITINERA) and Salcef is managing specific modifications, while Terna is handling the electrical substation and power line installations.