Italian rail upgrades: safety training project and double‑track push

A European project called CBRNe4rail, involving twelve partners including Italy's research agency ENEA, is preparing to strengthen security at railway stations across Europe. The programme will train personnel – even non‑specialist “zero responders” – to manage chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents. Tests will be carried out at stations of various sizes, with simulated releases covering accidental and deliberate scenarios.

In the south of Italy, the railway federation FIDAPA’s South‑West district is demanding a double‑track, electrified line on the Ionian route, linking the network to Lamezia Airport and seeking use of PNRR funds for the upgrades. The federation highlights a 10 % rise in tourist arrivals and calls for faster completion of works that currently cause long closures on the Sibari‑Crotone and Crotone‑Catanzaro Lido sections.