Rete Ferroviaria Italiana awards tunnel upgrade contract for Molise rail line

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) has awarded the contract for tunnel upgrades along the Baranello-Campobasso railway section. The project is a strategic step toward completing the electrification of the Molise regional rail network, which is essential for restoring full service and improving connections for the regional capital.

The tender, valued at 42.6 million euros, involves modifying the dimensions of several tunnels, including Colle Porcina, Sella delle Vetiche, and Contrafforte Ferrazzano, alongside integrative works in other tunnels such as Colle Serrano and San Salvatore. The actual implementation cost is estimated at approximately 28.4 million euros. To expedite the process, RFI intends to utilize provisions for the early execution of the contract.

Regional councilor Roberto Gravina noted that while the announcement is a positive development following political pressure, the focus must now shift to the executive project and ensuring the works are completed on schedule. The long-term goal is to reopen the Campobasso station to trains from Naples and Rome by early 2028.