EUROPEAN COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

Brussels, 30 April 2013

Commission approves EUR 64 million of regional funds for a major railway connection project in the Southern Italian region of Puglia

The European Commission has approved an investment of EUR 64.3 million from the European Regional Development Fund for a railway project in Puglia. The project will reduce travel time for both freight and passengers. It will also significantly improve the reliability and safety of rail travel in this part of Southern . The main effect of the project will be the doubling of the – Taranto line, with 10.5 km of new double track line from Bari to Sant’Andrea Bitetto. Beyond the improvements over the existing line, the Italian authorities have committed to upgrade the technical and operational standards of the line in accordance with EU legislation by installing the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) over the rail network in the Italian Convergence regions. Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn who signed the approval for this major project said, “This railway development project is a concrete example of how Structural Funds are helping in a vital way the economy in Puglia to develop. Our policy, working hand in hand with the Italian authorities is playing a crucial role in connecting people and businesses. This in turn is boosting the region’s competitiveness. With the switch of many transport activities from road to rail, Italian citizens will also benefit from improvements to the environment while also helping to contribute to our wider climate goals under the Europe 2020 Agenda." The investments will be concentrated on improving the railway connection between the Port of Taranto and the Port of Bari, the line as well as its link to the Naples -Bari line, the Bari Logistics District, and Bari Airport. The investment comes through the EU co-financed Programme “Reti e Mobilità”, priority axis "Improving the connections between lines, nodes and main poles of the logistic structure of Convergence areas". The European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund, will finance €64.3 million out of a total investment of €120.6 million. The project is expected to be fully operational by 2016.

Contacts : Shirin Wheeler (+32 2 296 65 65) Annemarie Huber (+32 2 299 33 10)

IP

Background This is a "major project", of which the total investment (VAT included) is above €50 million and thus subject to a specific decision by the European Commission, whereas other types of projects are approved at national or regional levels. Italy has been allocated approximately €29 billion in total cohesion policy funding from 2007-2013.

More information: EU-funded 'Major Projects' EU cohesion policy in Italy Project contact

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