Messina–Catania–Palermo Railway Corridor. New Palermo–Catania Link | Lot 4A Caltanissetta Xirbi - Nuova Enna

The new Palermo–Catania–Messina rail link is a strategic project for the development of Sicily’s infrastructure and forms part of the wider infrastructure programme under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The project is designed to upgrade and double-track the railway line, enabling more frequent train services, higher operating speeds and more efficient passenger and freight transport across the island. It will reduce journey times between Palermo and Catania to approximately two hours, compared with the current three hours, making rail transport more competitive. The Palermo–Catania–Messina line forms an integral part of the Scandinavian–
Mediterranean Corridor No. 5 of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and will enhance connectivity with the rest of Italy and Europe. The upgrading works have been divided into five functional lots, all currently under construction. The sections in which Ghella is involved are outlined below. In each lot, stations will be equipped with systems designed to improve water efficiency and support the collection and reuse of rainwater.
 

Lot 4A Caltanissetta Xirbi - Nuova Enna 
Lot 4A involves the detailed design and construction of 27 km of railway line between Caltanissetta Xirbi station (included within the scope of works) and Nuova Enna station (excluded from the scope), with the route largely following a new alignment separate from the existing railway line. The works also include 20 km of tunnels and 3 km of viaducts. 

Benefits

1. Infrastructure development and promotion of sustainable mobility in southern Italy.
2. Reduction in rail journey times between Palermo and Catania by approximately one hour.
3. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.