Mayors of Val Susa Oppose Salvini Over 3 Billion Euro Railway Funds
The mayors express concerns that funds allocated for the high-speed train project between Italy and France should instead support public transport in Turin.
On April 1, 2023, in Turin, Italian Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini convened the TAV Observatory to assess progress on the long-delayed high-speed rail project intended to connect Turin, Italy, to Lyon, France.
This meeting followed the resumption of French TGV services between Milan and Paris, after an 18-month interruption caused by a landslide in the Maurienne region just across the French border.
Italian FRECCIAROSSA trains also recently began operating connecting Turin to Paris in approximately six hours, raising questions about the necessity of a new and expensive rail line.
The mayors from Val Susa voiced strong opposition to the government's intention to allocate nearly 3 billion euros for the TAV project.
They argue that these funds would be better spent on completing and expanding Turin's metro system.
Their concerns were underscored during a session with Salvini, where Turin's Mayor asked for the activation of a TGV stop in Bardonecchia, a crucial tourist destination that currently lacks international train service despite being accessible from Milan and Paris.
Alberto Cirio, President of the Piemonte Region, stated that while the feasibility of reactivating the Bardonecchia stop is acknowledged, it is not currently scheduled for implementation.
He requested that the issue be included in the upcoming bilateral talks between Italy and France.
A central discussion point emerged from the TAV Observatory’s meeting regarding the proposed high-speed rail line.
The mayors expressed particular skepticism about the Avigliana-Orbassano segment, emphasizing the significant financial commitment that threatens to overshadow essential public transportation needs in Turin.
The 3 billion euro funding includes 1 billion from the Rapid Mass Transport Fund, which also supports the Turin metro expansion.
Despite the allocation for high-speed rail, the existing public transport network in Turin struggles to meet demand.
The city, home to nearly 850,000 residents, operates only one metro line spanning 15 kilometers, serving approximately 150,000 passengers daily.
In comparison, Lyon, with a smaller population, has four metro lines covering 30 kilometers and accommodating over 700,000 daily riders.
Notably, the completion of Turin’s M1 line remains pending, with 26 million euros required to finish current works and an additional 311 million euros needed to extend the line to Rivoli.
The anticipated M2 line faces uncertainties as its projected cost has escalated to 2.5 billion euros, with 700 million euros still required.
In light of these circumstances, the mayors question the rationale behind allocating 3 billion euros towards an infrastructure project whose public transport benefits remain unproven.
This meeting followed the resumption of French TGV services between Milan and Paris, after an 18-month interruption caused by a landslide in the Maurienne region just across the French border.
Italian FRECCIAROSSA trains also recently began operating connecting Turin to Paris in approximately six hours, raising questions about the necessity of a new and expensive rail line.
The mayors from Val Susa voiced strong opposition to the government's intention to allocate nearly 3 billion euros for the TAV project.
They argue that these funds would be better spent on completing and expanding Turin's metro system.
Their concerns were underscored during a session with Salvini, where Turin's Mayor asked for the activation of a TGV stop in Bardonecchia, a crucial tourist destination that currently lacks international train service despite being accessible from Milan and Paris.
Alberto Cirio, President of the Piemonte Region, stated that while the feasibility of reactivating the Bardonecchia stop is acknowledged, it is not currently scheduled for implementation.
He requested that the issue be included in the upcoming bilateral talks between Italy and France.
A central discussion point emerged from the TAV Observatory’s meeting regarding the proposed high-speed rail line.
The mayors expressed particular skepticism about the Avigliana-Orbassano segment, emphasizing the significant financial commitment that threatens to overshadow essential public transportation needs in Turin.
The 3 billion euro funding includes 1 billion from the Rapid Mass Transport Fund, which also supports the Turin metro expansion.
Despite the allocation for high-speed rail, the existing public transport network in Turin struggles to meet demand.
The city, home to nearly 850,000 residents, operates only one metro line spanning 15 kilometers, serving approximately 150,000 passengers daily.
In comparison, Lyon, with a smaller population, has four metro lines covering 30 kilometers and accommodating over 700,000 daily riders.
Notably, the completion of Turin’s M1 line remains pending, with 26 million euros required to finish current works and an additional 311 million euros needed to extend the line to Rivoli.
The anticipated M2 line faces uncertainties as its projected cost has escalated to 2.5 billion euros, with 700 million euros still required.
In light of these circumstances, the mayors question the rationale behind allocating 3 billion euros towards an infrastructure project whose public transport benefits remain unproven.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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