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Rome, Italy — A consortium led by Italian construction giant Webuild, alongside partners Ghella, Pizzarotti, and SELI, has been awarded a €1.6 billion contract to construct a key section of the Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed rail line. The project marks a significant step in Italy’s broader strategy to modernize its transportation infrastructure and improve regional connectivity.
Commissioned by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), part of the FS Italiane Group, the contract covers the Paola–Cosenza section of the line, which spans approximately 22.2 kilometers. The majority of the route will be built underground, including the construction of the new Santomarco Tunnel—a twin-tube structure extending over 15 kilometers. The tunnel will be located roughly 100 meters from the existing single-track tunnel, which will be decommissioned upon completion of the new works.
Project Scope and Engineering Features
Key elements of the project include:
- Santomarco Tunnel: Excavated using four tunnel boring machines, the tunnel will enhance capacity and safety along the route.
- Bridges and Viaducts: Nine railway bridges and two viaducts are planned. One viaduct, measuring 350 meters, will span the A2 motorway, while another, 205 meters long, will cross the Settimo stream.
- New Station: A station will be constructed in Montalto Uffugo to serve the local community and the university campus in Rende.
- Municipal Coverage: The route will pass through several municipalities in the Province of Cosenza, including Paola, San Lucido, Rende, Montalto Uffugo, San Vincenzo la Costa, and San Fili.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The infrastructure initiative is expected to generate employment for up to 1,500 individuals, including both direct hires and third-party contractors. Webuild holds a 60% stake in the consortium, with the remaining shares distributed among its partners.
Beyond its economic implications, the project is strategically positioned to:
- Improve access to inland areas of Calabria, particularly the city of Cosenza.
- Strengthen freight transport routes along the Bari–Taranto–Gioia Tauro corridor.
- Enhance mobility between the Tyrrhenian coast and southern Italy’s interior regions.
Broader Context
The Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed rail line is part of Italy’s long-term investment in sustainable mobility and regional development. It complements other ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at bridging the economic divide between northern and southern Italy, while supporting the country’s energy transition and environmental goals.
Construction is set to begin following final design approvals, with completion expected to significantly boost the efficiency and capacity of Italy’s rail network.
