Rome–Formia–Naples railway

The railway line Rome - Formia - Naples is part of the traditional north-south connection of the Italian railway network. It was opened in 1927 as a faster connection and an alternative to the railway line Rome - Cassino - Naples and allowed significantly more reduced travel times.

History

Problems with the Rome- Naples via Cassino in 1871 led to proposals for the construction of a new line along the coast. Built by the Società Pio Latina railway line through Cassino was not designed as a direct connection to Naples, but intended to open up the smaller towns along the route. This was in parts a tortuous route to the sequence that was prone to failure by landslides and flooding, especially in the valley Sacco. The old track was also built to avoid the coastal Pontine Marshes, then a major obstacle. The result of this route was a route with hills and slopes that were problematic for the steam locomotives used at that time.

The construction of a coast line was decided on 29 July 1879 law on the condition that they got connections to the railway lines Terracina and Gaeta - Formia - Priverno - Sparanise. The commitment was confirmed by an Act of 5 July 1882. The project was not without opposition: It was part of the railway workers support, as of railroad engineers as Alfredo Cottrau. However, it was criticized by politicians, such as Francesco Saverio Nitti.

The final plan for construction of the line was so worked up until 1902 and then approved in 1905. The responsibility for the project was taken over by the Ferrovie dello Stato. The construction began in 1907, but lasted until 1927, since several long tunnels were required, such as the tunnel Monte Orso and Vivola, both of which are about 7.5 km long.

Under the city of Naples, the route was run underground. On this electrified with busbar section an S -Bahn -like city traffic ( Servizio ferroviario metropolitano di Napoli ) was established.