Genoa Rail Quadrupling: Boosting Italy’s Freight & Passenger Rail

Introduction

The completion and inauguration of two new rail tracks on the Genoa Voltri–Sampierdarena section have finalized the quadrupling of the railway between the two stations on Italy’s Ligurian Coast. The project, part of the “Nodo di Genova” (Genoa Junction), was delivered by a general contractor consortium led by the Webuild Group on behalf of Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI).

Project Overview

The “Nodo di Genova” (Genoa Junction) project, also known as the Genoa Junction–Terzo Valico Unified Project, was overseen by Italferr, part of the FS Italiane Group, and coordinated by Government Commissioner Calogero Mauceri. The new infrastructure separates long-distance and freight services from local and regional traffic.

Infrastructure Details

The newly completed section extends for approximately 8.5 kilometres, including the Doria–Monte Gazzo and Polcevera tunnels. The line now consists of four tracks: two existing lines for local and regional services, and two newly built lines dedicated to long-distance passenger and freight trains. The project also establishes a future connection to the Terzo Valico dei Giovi through two new interconnection chambers.

Key Features and Components

The Doria–Monte Gazzo tunnels, forming part of the single-tube, double-track Pra’ Bypass, were extended eastwards. The new Polcevera Tunnel is approximately 3 kilometres long. The project includes two new Evacuation and Rescue Points (PES) located at the Doria Tunnel near Voltri (PES Doria) and at the Polcevera Tunnel entrance (PES Spinola-Raggi).

Operational and Commercial Aspects

Traffic on the new line is managed by the Genoa Teglia Control Centre. Commercial operation of the new section began on 7 October 2025, serving Intercity trains on routes between Savona/Ventimiglia and Milan/Eastern Liguria, as well as freight services. This change is designed to improve service punctuality and capacity. The completion of the Genoa Junction will enable increased train frequency, and the opening of the Terzo Valico dei Giovi will allow freight trains to travel directly from the Port of Pra’ to Milan.

Conclusion

The project, managed by Webuild Group for RFI, involves the quadrupling of the railway between Genoa Voltri and Sampierdarena. The new infrastructure includes 8.5 kilometers of tracks, new tunnels, and operational control centers. Commercial operations began on 7 October 2025, improving service for both passenger and freight traffic.

Company Summary

Webuild Group: A general contractor consortium that delivered the project.

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI): The project client.

Italferr: Part of the FS Italiane Group, responsible for supervising the project.

FS Italiane Group: The parent company of Italferr.

Trenitalia: A company within the FS Italiane Group.