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France-Italy rail link reopens after landslide shutdown

After a 19-month hiatus caused by a massive landslide, the vital rail connection between France and Italy has been fully restored.
A TGV inOui high-speed train, operated by France’s SNCF, pictured at Paris Gare du Nord in May 2023. These sleek 8-car electric multiple units, originally built between 1994 and 1996 by GEC-Alsthom, De Dietrich, and Bombardier, are once again connecting Paris and Milan. Service resumed after a 19-month suspension caused by a major 2023 landslide in the Maurienne Valley, which had blocked the vital rail corridor linking France and Italy via the Fréjus Rail Tunnel. The restored line reopens a key transalpine route for both passengers and international rail freight. Photo: Hugh Llewelyn, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
A TGV inOui high-speed train, operated by France’s SNCF, pictured at Paris Gare du Nord in May 2023. These sleek 8-car electric multiple units, originally built between 1994 and 1996 by GEC-Alsthom, De Dietrich, and Bombardier, are once again connecting Paris and Milan. Service resumed after a 19-month suspension caused by a major 2023 landslide in the Maurienne Valley, which had blocked the vital rail corridor linking France and Italy via the Fréjus Rail Tunnel. The restored line reopens a key transalpine route for both passengers and international rail freight. Photo: Hugh Llewelyn, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

The Culoz–Modane and Turin–Modane railway lines, traversing the Maurienne Valley and the Fréjus Rail Tunnel, resumed operations on March 31, 2025, reinstating a crucial corridor for both passenger and freight traffic across the Alps. This is according to Railtech.com and other media outlets.


A catastrophic landslide

On August 27, 2023, approximately 15,000 cubic meters of rock collapsed onto the railway tracks and the adjacent A43 autoroute near the Tunnel de la Brèche in the Maurienne Valley. This natural disaster severely damaged the infrastructure, leading to the suspension of all rail services between Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in France and Oulx in Italy. The closure disrupted a key transalpine route, affecting daily commuters, international travelers, and freight operations.


Restoration efforts

The restoration process was extensive and complex. Engineers and workers undertook significant efforts to clear the debris, stabilize the cliff face, and repair the damaged tunnel and tracks. Safety measures included the removal of unstable rock masses, installation of protective netting, and reinforcement of the tunnel structure. The rehabilitation aimed not only to restore the line but also to enhance its resilience against future geological events.


Resumption of services

With the completion of restoration work, high-speed train services have resumed. SNCF's TGV INOUI now operates three daily round trips between Paris and Milan, while Trenitalia's Frecciarossa offers two daily round trips on the same route. These services significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, offering a sustainable alternative to air travel.

Aerial view of the Maurienne Valley between Saint-André and Le Freney in Savoie, southeastern France, showing the A43 motorway and the parallel Maurienne railway line winding through the Alpine landscape. This area was the site of a major landslide in August 2023, which caused significant damage to the railway infrastructure and led to the complete suspension of cross-border rail traffic between France and Italy for more than 19 months. Visible on the mountainside is the large scar left by the rockfall, highlighting the scale of the geological disruption and the complexity of the restoration work completed in 2025. Credit: Florian Pépellin, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Aerial view of the Maurienne Valley between Saint-André and Le Freney in Savoie, southeastern France, showing the A43 motorway and the parallel Maurienne railway line winding through the Alpine landscape. This area was the site of a major landslide in August 2023, which caused significant damage to the railway infrastructure and led to the complete suspension of cross-border rail traffic between France and Italy for more than 19 months. Visible on the mountainside is the large scar left by the rockfall, highlighting the scale of the geological disruption and the complexity of the restoration work completed in 2025. Credit: Florian Pépellin, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Economic and environmental impact

The reopening of the rail link is expected to revitalize economic activities in the regions connected by the line. It facilitates tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange between France and Italy. Moreover, the restored rail services contribute to environmental sustainability by providing a low-carbon transportation option, aligning with broader European goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


Future Developments

The Turin–Lyon high-speed railway project is underway, aiming to further enhance connectivity between France and Italy. The new line, featuring the Mont d'Ambin Base Tunnel, is designed to accommodate higher speeds and increased capacity, promising to bolster economic ties and promote sustainable transport in the region.





Key Facts

  • Incident date: August 27, 2023

  • Landslide volume: Approximately 15,000 cubic meters of rock

  • Affected area: Maurienne Valley, near Tunnel de la Brèche

  • Closure duration: 19 months

  • Reopening date: March 31, 2025

  • Services resumed: SNCF's TGV INOUI and Trenitalia's Frecciarossa

  • Daily round trips: TGV INOUI (3), Frecciarossa (2)

  • Future project: Turin–Lyon high-speed railway with Mont d'Ambin Base Tunnel

 
 
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