Project Profile: Rome Metro Line C (Linea C)

Rome’s Metro Line C is a landmark infrastructure project engineering a fully automated, driverless metro system through one of the world’s most historically sensitive urban environments. The project enhances Rome’s public transport network by connecting peripheral eastern districts with the city center, integrating state-of-the-art railway technology with unprecedented archaeological preservation efforts. This profile details the technical specifications, strategic importance, and ongoing progress of this complex urban rail system.

Technical Specifications

Route & Civil Engineering: The Line C route is designed in sections, with the initial 19 km from Monte Compatri/Pantano to San Giovanni already operational. The critical central section (T3), extending through Rome’s historic core towards Piazzale Clodio, is under construction. This phase requires advanced civil engineering solutions to navigate dense urban areas and protect invaluable archaeological heritage. Tunneling is primarily executed using large-diameter Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to minimize surface disruption. Stations like San Giovanni are designed as “archaeo-stations,” integrating museum spaces to display artifacts discovered during excavation, setting a global precedent for infrastructure development in historic cities.

Rolling Stock & Automation: The line operates with a fleet of driverless trains supplied by Hitachi Rail. Each six-car train measures 109.4 meters and is designed to carry up to 1,200 passengers, with a system capacity of 24,000 passengers per hour per direction. The system functions at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4), featuring fully autonomous operation managed by a central control center. Key technologies include Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), Automatic Train Operation (ATO), and Automatic Train Protection (ATP). For passenger safety and platform efficiency, all underground stations are equipped with full-height Platform Screen Doors (PSDs).

Key Takeaways

• Pioneering Automation: Line C is Rome’s first fully automated, driverless metro line, establishing a new technological benchmark for public transit in Italy and improving operational efficiency and frequency.
• Archaeological Integration: The project demonstrates an innovative approach to urban construction by treating archaeological discoveries not as obstacles but as assets, integrating them directly into station architecture.
• Enhanced Urban Connectivity: Upon full completion, the line will provide a vital transport link between Rome’s eastern suburbs and the historic and business districts in the city center, significantly reducing traffic congestion and travel times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will Rome Metro Line C be fully completed?
The full completion of Rome Metro Line C, including the final sections to Clodio/Mazzini, is projected for the early 2030s. The T3 section, extending to the Fori Imperiali/Colosseo station, is expected to open first, with subsequent phases following as construction through the challenging central district is finished.

Who is building the Rome Metro Line C?
The primary construction is managed by the general contractor Metro C S.c.p.A., a consortium that includes major engineering firms like Webuild and Vianini Lavori. Key technology, including the driverless trains and signaling systems, is supplied by Hitachi Rail. The public transport authority, ATAC, is the operator of the line.