The situation of the Nice-Breil-Tende-Cunéo-Turin railway line is particularly concerning for the entire Côte d’Azur. In the absence of proactive decisions from both the French and Italian sides, its longevity is in jeopardy. Recent threats of halting railway services in Italy have led to significant mobilization, reflecting the needs of the served populations.
Considering the seriousness of the situation and in the interest of the region’s residents and the local economy, Christian Estrosi, Deputy Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, along with Gaston Franco, European Deputy and Metropolitan Councilor, sent a letter to Frédéric Cuvillier, Minister of Transport, on June 26, in which they demanded progress on this issue.
This initiative is welcome but unfortunately risks remaining fruitless.
To return to the facts.
The Piedmont Region*, which has delayed matters for electoral reasons (its President is a representative from Novara, in Eastern Piedmont, far from the territory of Cuneo) would now have reviewed its position and assure the operation of all stops, although with a reduced number of trains.
The French railways have reportedly decided to reduce train speed to 40 km/h for safety reasons, as the line is beyond outdated. Therefore, fewer trains and at a reduced speed, with the consequence of a likely reduction in the number of users.
But the real crux of the problem is the bilateral relations between the two railway companies (SNCF and Ferrovie dello Stato) related to the old agreement and between the French and Italian governments concerning the funding of the new one.
Apparently, there is not a genuine political will expressed to reach a solution on this issue.
Furthermore, since the operation of this line is unprofitable, neither of the railway companies seems very interested in investing in an operation that, in any scenario, will cost money.
And in these times, generosity is really not on the agenda!
