New funding allocated to Lombardy’s rail infrastructure
June 28, 2026
The Italian government has recently approved a substantial investment in the rail infrastructure of Lombardy, allocating EUR 591.6 million towards eight road and rail projects, with two specifically aimed at enhancing rail infrastructure in the region. These projects are part of the broader “Olympic Works Plan” designed to enhance regional connectivity in Lombardy and Veneto in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Out of the total funding, EUR 287.6 million is earmarked for projects in Lombardy, with an additional EUR 304 million allocated for projects in Veneto. The total investment surpasses EUR 1.65 billion, sourced from state funds and existing resources. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini emphasized that these investments are not just short-term solutions but also contribute to the long-term modernization of transportation infrastructure, providing significant improvements in safety, capacity, and connectivity within the rail network of northern Italy.
In Lombardy, two primary railway projects are set to receive funding amounting to EUR 171 million, with EUR 40.4 million originating from the Investment Fund and the remaining balance secured from other funding channels. These projects aim to enhance safety and streamline rail and road traffic by eliminating grade crossings on the railway line intersecting National Road SS38.
The first project focuses on the elimination of grade crossings along the Milan–Tirano line (SS38). This undertaking involves separating traffic levels, replacing existing level crossings with grade-separated crossings, and undertaking infrastructure enhancements to minimize the risk of accidents and improve the continuity of rail traffic on the critical Milan–Tirano route, crucial for regional mobility and tourism in the Alps. With a total value of EUR 66 million, the project receives EUR 31.5 million from the Investment Fund, with the remaining EUR 34.5 million sourced from existing allocated funds. Its objective is to modernize and optimize a vital railway hub in Lombardy, situated along the Milan–Northern Italy axis.
The second project involves the rehabilitation of the Busto Arsizio/Gallarate/Cardano Railway Junction. This initiative envisions reconfiguring the railway infrastructure to enhance traffic capacity, bolster service reliability, and minimize operational conflicts between passenger and freight trains. By undertaking this project, the aim is to optimize the flow of rail traffic in the greater Milan metropolitan area, characterized by a high density of train operations. Budgeted at EUR 105 million, the project receives EUR 8.9 million from the Investment Fund, with over EUR 56 million sourced from available financial resources. The rehabilitation of this railway junction aligns with a comprehensive program aimed at modernizing the rail infrastructure in Lombardy, including strengthening the Rho–Gallarate corridor, expanding capacity, improving connections, and optimizing links to Malpensa Airport to enhance efficiency and network integration.
