SNCF Italy high-speed rail market moves closer to launch

SNCF Italy high-speed rail market plans moved closer. Italy’s competition watchdog accepted commitments from the rail infrastructure manager. The move is aimed at fair access to the country’s high-speed network.

The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) approved the commitments submitted by railway infrastructure manager RFI. The aim is to guarantee fair access for new operators. For SNCF Voyages Italia, part of SNCF Voyageurs, the decision marks a step forward. It brings the launch of its own high-speed services in Italy closer.

AGCM commitments and RFI fair access

Under the first phase of those commitments, some rail routes will be recognised immediately. The French group had requested those routes. Also, this would let the company start its investment plan for Italy. It would also support preparations for a new high-speed service scheduled to start in September 2027.

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In addition, the project calls for 15 new-generation high-speed trains in Italy. Those trains would carry more than 10 million passengers a year. A Bocconi University GREEN research center study estimates benefits above €480 million a year. Meanwhile, the study points to economic growth and additional tax revenue. It also points to more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Access to routes and maintenance facilities

Still, the company says the authority’s ruling is only an initial stage. SNCF still needs access to more rail routes. That is required for its full industrial plan.

Also, its business plan is based on operating 13 pairs of trains each day. The group says the investment would not be justified without that level of service. In addition, it needs access to maintenance facilities in Italy. At the same time, train approval procedures must also be completed. SNCF considers both requirements necessary before the new services can begin.

SNCF’s plan for the Italian high-speed market

As previously covered by Railway Supply, SNCF announced its intention in 2024. The aim is to enter Italy’s domestic high-speed rail market. The operator plans to run two principal routes. For example, it plans 9 pairs of trains daily on the Turin–Naples corridor. Separately, it plans 4 pairs on the Turin–Venice route:

• Turin–Milan–Rome–Naples;
• Turin–Venice.

Meanwhile, the trains are expected to stop in major Italian cities. These include Milan, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Brescia, and Padua. SNCF intends to deploy 15 double-decker TGV M trains for these services. Those trains will be adapted for use on Italian rail infrastructure.

As reported by Railway Pro, SNCF already runs TGV INOUI services. Those services connect France and Italy. They link Paris with Turin and Milan. Still, the company could become the third operator in that market. That would happen if its domestic Italian project proceeds. It would join Trenitalia and Italo. Large-scale rail competition is already in place there.

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