the Lyon-Turin line

This project is in answer to the State’s wish for a better balance between modes of transport and to create alternatives to road traffic, given the natural environment which is particularly sensitive in this region. The development of this train line is a solution that meets the requirements of sustainable development, combining social development, economic viability and protection for the environment.

The new infrastructure will also make it possible to add value to manufacturing regions of southern Europe by connecting them to the major North Sea ports. Along the east-west route, it will be the key link in the “No. 5. Corridor”, connecting Lisbon to Budapest and, eventually, to Kiev. It was with this in mind that on 29 January 2001, France and Italy signed an international agreement to build the Lyon-Turin line.
 

The aims of the Lyon-Turin railway link are to:

Balance out rail and road trafficfor transporting freight across Europe,
Consolidate the competitive status of the countries of southern Europ, such as France, Portugal, Spain and Italy,
Expand the network by 5,000 km of new track, proving a train service for 250 million Europeans,
Improving passenger transport, at regional, national and international level.
 

The line will be divided into two main sections:

One section from Lyon to the Alpine valley comprising two lines, one for freight and the other for passengers,
One mixed-use line for both freight and passengers between the Alpine valley and Turin.

The Lyon-Turin line project-FR (PDF, 400 Ko)
 

The total cost of the project is estimated at €15 billion.
 

The Lyon-Turin project shall be funded by Réseau Ferré de France for the French section, by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana for the Italian section, and by their joint subsidiary Lyon Turin Ferroviaire, who will develop the Franco-Italian section.