Matignon announced this Tuesday in a statement that from January 17 to February 28, 2022, a public inquiry will be opened on the new Provence Côte d’Azur line (LNPCA) project, which will mainly aim to improve traffic in the region.
This inquiry concerns the first two phases of the future train line.
Phase 1 will involve the creation of the Nice airport TGV station with 4 platform tracks, as well as developments for the Toulon regional express network and then the redevelopment of the Marseille St Charles station complex. This first phase’s construction work is expected to begin in 2023 for a commissioning by 2030.
Phase 2 will involve developments between Cannes and Nice, as well as the underground railway line in Marseille, with commissioning planned by 2035 and the start of work by 2027.
The combined cost of phases 1 and 2 is estimated at 3.5 billion euros and was subject to an agreement between the stakeholders. The State and local authorities each finance 40% (i.e., 1.4 billion euros each), with the remaining 20% to be requested from Europe.
A local establishment called the “new Provence Côte d’Azur line company” will be created at the request of the local authorities. It will be able to collect local taxes dedicated to financing the project. The ordinance is currently being reviewed by the Council of State to be adopted in spring 2022, Matignon specifies.
