Rome, Italy – November 6, 2025 — Italian State Railways (Ferrovie dello Stato, FS) has unveiled a sweeping €20 billion rail digitalisation strategy, marking one of the most ambitious infrastructure modernization plans in Europe. The initiative, announced by FS CEO and General Manager Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, will span the next 10 years, with a core focus on deploying the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) across Italy’s national network.
A Vision for Smart Mobility
The strategy is designed to digitally transform Italy’s rail infrastructure, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency. FS plans to install ERTMS on 100% of the lines managed by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) that form part of the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The system will also be integrated into the entire Trenitalia fleet, covering 10,000 trains that travel over 17,000 kilometers daily.
“Digitalisation is a fundamental pillar of our strategy to revolutionize public transport,” Donnarumma stated during the unveiling of FS’s 2026 Strategic Report.
Key Objectives and Implementation
The €20 billion investment will be directed toward:
- ERTMS deployment on infrastructure and rolling stock
- Automation and predictive maintenance technologies
- Real-time data integration for traffic management
- Cybersecurity and digital resilience across the network
FS aims to create a fully interoperable, intelligent rail system that aligns with EU standards and supports cross-border mobility.
Strategic and Economic Impact
The digitalisation plan is part of FS’s broader €100 billion Strategic Plan (2025–2029), which includes sustainability, punctuality, and international development goals. By modernizing its rail infrastructure, Italy seeks to:
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Improve passenger experience
- Boost freight efficiency
- Strengthen its position as a European logistics hub
The initiative is also expected to generate thousands of jobs in engineering, IT, and construction, while attracting private sector partnerships and EU funding.
In short: Italy’s FS Group will invest €20 billion over the next decade to digitize its rail network, with full ERTMS integration and smart infrastructure upgrades. The plan positions Italy as a leader in sustainable, tech-driven mobility across Europe.
Sources:
international Railway Journal; FS News ; FS Italiane Strategic Plan ;Seetao International ;Il Sussidiario
