Italy is planning to build a new line between Orbassano and Avigliana, a key rail freight section of the link between Turin and the future Mont Cenis Base Tunnel (commonly called Turin-Lyon). However, following the conference for the approval of the definitive project, over two billion euros are still not guaranteed.
The new line would be 24 kilometres long and half of it will run through tunnels under the Morenic Hill. “The updated cost of the entire project is approximately three billion euros, of which 827 million euros have been financed”, a joint press release from RFI and the Piedmont Region noted. This still leaves a gap of over 2,1 billion euros, over two thirds of the total estimated cost.
Important for freight
Thus, despite the administrative approval, RFI said it “will proceed with the necessary steps to begin the negotiation process once full financial coverage has been secured”. When that might arrive still remains to be seen. A new line between Orbassano and Avigliana could bring significant benefits to rail freight, even though some detractors of the project have questioned its usefulness.
Orbassano is the location of one of the most important terminals in the region. Most of the rail freight traffic between France and Italy passes through the facility, which would be the end-point of the line in Orbassano. Up until April 2025, the terminal was also used for the Alpine Rail Highway, running to Aiton in France. However, due to financial constraints and infrastructural challenges, the service has been suspended.
