Italy is setting a benchmark for rail digitalisation
Italy is implementing one of Europe’s largest digital investments with a EUR 20 billion investment over the next decade to transform its national infrastructure into a fully interoperable, data-driven system.
FS Group aims for complete ERTMS deployment across Trenitalia’s train fleet and RFI’s network by 2030, strengthening the north–south corridors connecting Italy with the rest of Europe and setting a new standard for railway digitalisation in the EU.
The programme, led by FS Group CEO Luigi Ferraris and FS Infrastrutture CEO Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, includes comprehensive ERTMS deployment, FRMCS communication systems, centralised traffic control and advanced maintenance through digital twins. The scope places Italy at the forefront of the EU’s digital railway agenda and advances both the ERTMS implementation plan and the technical foundation for TEN-T corridors.
Full ERTMS by 2030
Trenitalia has already equipped 382 passenger trains with ERTMS equipment, while 60 FS Logistix freight locomotives are being upgraded. The installation of digital signalling systems and FRMCS pilot projects will continue through 2026–2028, creating standardised signalling and communication across RFI’s infrastructure. The investment also includes intelligent ticketing and real-time passenger information.
The implementation runs through FS Infrastrutture and covers RFI’s network operations, Italferr’s engineering work and Trenitalia’s rolling stock upgrades.
We are transforming Italy’s rail infrastructure into a data-driven system that serves both national operations and European connectivity, Donnarumma told Italian media.
Implications for the continent
The programme directly impacts cross-border operations via the Brenner and Mont Cenis routes, where ERTMS and FRMCS enable seamless transitions between Italian, Austrian, French and German networks. For suppliers, including Siemens, Hitachi and Alstom, the Italian plan represents a ten-year pipeline for implementing new technologies.
Take-away: Italy is reinforcing its position as a major European rail innovator. Having built Europe’s most competitive high-speed market through the Trenitalia-NTV rivalry, the country is now driving digital transformation at continental scale.
Outlook: The approach shows how national investment can serve European integration, building infrastructure as a shared system rather than isolated national assets.