Italian Rail Network (RFI) president Ms Caludia Cattani was also present along with RFI CEO Mr Maurizio Gentile, Trenitalia’s CEO Ms Barbara Morgante, and Italferr’s CEO Mr Carlo Carganico.

The new double-track line follows on from the 19km extension from San Lorenzo to Ospedaletti which includes 16km of tunnels, and which opened in 2001.

New stations have been built at Andora, Diano and Imperia replacing the two city stations Imperia Oneglia and Imperia Porto Maurizio.

The control room for the section is located at Genova Teglia and will permit speeds of up to 180km/h on the line. The new line will offer 10 journeys between Savona and Ventimiglia, meaning 62 trains will call at Imperia.

The total investment for the project is €582m.