Vittoriano
Fourth Section
Since the mid-1980s, the Italian railway system has entered a phase of profound transformation. The former autonomous state agency gave way to a new structure, oriented towards criteria of efficiency and competitiveness. The centralized model was replaced by a decentralized and functional organization, while European directives pushed towards liberalization and market opening.
The turning point came in the 1990s, with European Directive No. 440 of 1991 and the 1997 Guidelines for the restructuring of the State Railways company, which mandated the separation between infrastructure and transport services. This led to the creation of Trenitalia (for services) and Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), both united under the holding company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Italiane Group).
In the new millennium, the renewal process has been strengthened through targeted investments aimed at modernizing the network, Alta Velocità (High Speed), and sustainable mobility. The Strategic Plan 2025–2029 focuses on integrated and intermodal mobility, the enhancement of regional lines, electrification, and digitalization. Drawing strength from their history, the Italian railways look to the future, positioning themselves as a driver of innovation, sustainability, and connection between territories.
