The future Turin-Lyon rail link is expected to be commissioned only by 2033. However, TELT, the company which will manage the infrastructure, already prepared a preliminary network statement, outlining traffic requirements and specifications.
When it comes to freight trains running along the Turin-Lyon railway, there will be two different load limits. Traditional freight trains will have a limit for maximum towed weight of 2,050 tonnes, while for trains loaded with semi-trailers it will be 1,600 tonnes. Maximum speeds allowed for freight trains will oscillate between 100 and 120 kilometres per hour.
In order to access the infrastructure, Railway Undertakings will need to obtain a European Community rail licence, a single security certificate valid in France and Italy for the area concerned, an insurance certificate and a contract with TELT for the use of the line, covering operational, safety and commercial aspects. This can also be done via the French or Italian safety authorities (EPSF or ANSFISA), which will grant authorisation in addition to the one for the national railway networks.
The missing chapters
The network statement published by TELT remains a first draft, with many aspects still missing. For example, the chapter regarding the pricing system and the planned evolution of fees will only be ready two years before the line is ready for service (currently, this means 2031). Moreover, there is still no information about capacity allocation or rail operations and contingency plans in case of disrupted situations and crises. Existing chapters will also be enriched between now and the opening of the Turin-Lyon.
The future Turin-Lyon line
This axis is the main trade route between France and Italy. Currently, Turin and Lyon are linked by the Frejus Railway, built in the 19th century and still closed since August 2023 due to a landslide. It will only reopen at the end of March, after disastrous consequences for the rail freight industry in the two countries.
With the future Turin-Lyon railway, however, things should significantly improve for rail freight. For example, the new line crossing the base of Mont Cenis will be much less steeper than its counterpart higher in altitude. This means that less power will be required to traction the train, leading to lower energy consumption.
Works on the project started in 2015, with as many supporters as doubters. A few delays were caused, especially concerning access routes to the future tunnel from the French side. However, at the end of 2024, France opted for the Grand Gabarit choice, which should create a line exclusively for freight traffic.