The €200m project was designed by Italferr and implemented by RFI, and involved building a new line alongside the existing single-track railway.

The new section includes the 4km Monte Poggio Maria tunnel, and has eliminated eight level crossings. The scheme is part of the planned doubling of the Fiumetorto - Castelbuono section, which envisages a total investment of €940m.

Upgrading of the Messina - Palermo main line represents a global investment of €1.63bn and includes 19.6km of track doubling, elimination of level crossings, construction of three new stations at Imera, Liscari, and Cefalù, modification of Fiumetorto station, and construction of a 5km tunnel and 1km viaduct.

“The entry into operation of the new stretch between Campofelice di Roccella and Ogliastrillo is part of a wide range of interventions in Sicily, which sees us committing to a €15bn investment over the next 10 years,” Gentile says.