In recent years, the precarious condition of Taranto’s connection network with the rest of the country has become particularly evident during the summer months. During this period, Trenitalia regularly begins modernization works that, although aimed at improving travel times in the future, cause immediate and significant inconvenience for users.
The situation has become unsustainable, prompting the mayor of Taranto, Rinaldo Melucci, to turn to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini. The mayor is asking for urgent interventions to put an end to what he calls a true “state of isolation” that penalizes the entire territory. The request will be formalized through an official letter, in which Melucci emphasizes how the recent start of the cruise season is confirming Taranto as an increasingly popular destination for foreign visitors. The city, given its growing international importance, should be able to count on an adequate network of rail and air connections.
Currently, the Taranto railway network has serious deficiencies, especially during the summer when extraordinary maintenance work is underway on the route to Rome. This causes serious inconvenience for residents, who do not have Intercity, Frecciarossa or Frecciabianca trains available for easy travel to the capital. Without valid alternatives, users are forced to move to Bari or Brindisi, cities from which both trains and planes depart.
The situation seems paradoxical, considering that Taranto is considered “strategic” for the country’s economy in terms of “heavy industry”, but seems neglected when it comes to connections with the rest of Italy. Mayor Melucci wonders how it is possible to consider “strategic” a city without an operational railway network and a functioning airport, despite the latter having all the necessary requirements for the activity.
This lack of adequate infrastructure represents a serious handicap for Taranto, especially in view of the major international sporting events that the city will host in the coming years, such as “European City of Sport” in 2025 and the venue of the XX Mediterranean Games in 2026. It is a damage for a city that, with the “Taranto Ecosystem” plan, aims at urban, environmental, social, cultural and economic regeneration, and which has enormous tourist potential thanks to its geographical position and its historical and naturalistic heritage.
In short, these potentials risk remaining unexpressed or heavily penalised not only by the presence of large-scale industry, but also and above all by the absence of a valid and efficient transport network.
