The Turin Airport Caselle – Ciriè – Germagnano railway line is suspended from 17 to 23 June, on the Venaria – Germagnano section to allow the execution of important infrastructure upgrading works at the Turin Airport Caselle station. This intervention, announced some time ago, was planned to improve the capacity and efficiency of the railway service, a need that has emerged urgently in recent years due to various technical and logistical problems that have afflicted the line.
Despite the suspension, trains on the SFM4 and SFM7 lines will continue to operate up to Venaria Reale Reggia, ensuring an essential connection for commuters.
However, trains on the SFMA line will be completely suspended during the construction period. To fill the gap left by the suspension of trains on the SFMA line, a replacement bus service has been activated which will cover all stations between Venaria Reale Reggia and Germagnano.
The fare for the replacement bus service will remain the same as the rail fare, although travel times will be slightly longer.
The Recent History of the Railway Line:
In recent years, the railway line that connects Turin Caselle Airport to Venaria Reale Reggia has been the scene of numerous interventions and problems that have often put commuters’ patience to the test. The infrastructure, dating back to the early decades of the 1900s, has undergone various modernization interventions over time. However, traffic growth and the need to improve train frequency and reliability have highlighted the need for further upgrading works.
In 2019, a technical failure at the station Turin Caselle Airport has caused significant delays and cancellations, sparking protests from travelers and growing concern among local authorities. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the situation, reducing the number of operating trains and delaying scheduled maintenance work. The resumption of services in 2021 was slow, with frequent interruptions due to emergency works to resolve structural problems.
The decision to temporarily suspend the train service between Turin Airport Caselle and Venaria Reale Reggia to upgrade the Turin Airport Caselle station is therefore seen as a necessary step to guarantee a more reliable and modern service in the future. The planned interventions include the expansion of the platforms, the installation of new signaling systems and the improvement of the facilities to accommodate a greater number of passengers.
Reactions and Expectations
Commuters greeted news of the suspension with a combination of frustration and hope. Some of them, interviewed at the Turin Porta Susa station, expressed concern about the inconveniences they will have to face in the coming months. However, many recognize the need for these jobs and hope for a quick return to normality. “We hope that the works will be finished soon and that the service will really improve,” commented a regular commuter.
To adequately inform travellers, an information roll-up has been placed at the Turin Porta Susa station, providing details on the suspension and replacement bus services. This measure is part of a wider information campaign aimed at minimizing inconvenience and ensuring that all passengers are aware of the temporary changes to the service.
In conclusion, while the infrastructural improvement works proceed, travelers will have to face a period of adaptation and inevitable inconveniences. However, the promise of a more efficient and modern rail line offers cause for optimism for the future.
Davide Tramonta
