28 November 2024

Rail access north of Malpensa

The "MXP North Rail Access" project to improve sustainable accessibility and integrate air and rail transport

An important meeting dedicated to the "MXP North Rail Access" project, which marks 15 years of synergy between the air and rail sectors, ended today at the Sheraton in Malpensa. The event brought together SEA Aeroporti di Milano, Ferrovienord, the Lombardy Region, Cinea (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency), and the European Commission DG-Move, together with testimonials from Paris, Riga and Brussels airports , Trenitalia, easyJet and international operators such as Kuala Lumpur Express Rail and Airtrain Brisbane.

The progress of the construction of the new railway connection between Terminal 2 of Milan Malpensa airport and the Simplon railway line has contributed to uniting Milan with Europe. The project, once operational, will improve the regional network, strengthening rail transport in Lombardy and will see the integration of Malpensa airport into the high-speed rail network, offering cross-border services along the Rhine-Alpine Corridor for both passengers and freight.

“MXP North Rail Access”, incontro con Fidato SEA, Garrote Cinea, Eminente ENAC, Sgariglia MIT, Secchi Copyright © Ufficio stampa Sea - Aeroporti di Milano

"The 'MXP North Rail Access' project represents a milestone for European intermodal transport and a winning collaboration model between SEA and FERROVIENORD. The completion of the railway infrastructure will contribute decisively to enhancing the sustainable accessibility of Malpensa both because the airport will become a node of the transport network and no longer a "terminal station" - i.e. the number of locations directly connected to the airport will increase - and because Malpensa will be integrated into the national railway network, a necessary condition for the activation of HS services" said Alessandro Fidato, Chief Operating Officer of SEA Aeroporti di Milano.

A strategy co-financed by Europe

The initiative, co-financed by the European Union through the TEN-T 2007-2013 and CEF 2014-2020 programmes, represents a total investment of over 90 million euros. This strategic project consolidates Malpensa as a crucial intermodal hub , strengthening the rail link with Europe and integrating it into the Mediterranean and Rhine-Alpine Corridors of the TEN-T network.

One of the highlights of the event was the visit to the project by the Director of CINEA, who underlined the value of 15 years of European support to fully integrate Malpensa into the continental railway network.

“MXP North Rail Access”, cantiere Copyright © Ufficio stampa Sea - Aeroporti di Milano

The results achieved: a railway ring around Malpensa

Since 2010, thanks to the collaboration between SEA and FERROVIENORD, important infrastructural goals have been achieved:

1. Terminal 1 - Terminal 2 connection (2016):

a 3.4 km railway line, with 967 meters of tunnel, connects the two terminals in just 5 minutes;
the infrastructure, which cost 120 million euros, includes a futuristic station at Terminal 2, with four platforms and a three-level design. In the central hall a permanent museum has been set up dedicated to the archaeological finds of the Golasecca civilization, discovered during the works;

2. Terminal 2 extension - Gallarate:

a further 4.6 km section, of which 2.6 km in tunnels, connects Terminal 2 to the Simplon line, with an investment of 257 million euros.
the estimated journey time between Terminal 2 and Gallarate is 7 minutes, ensuring direct access to Switzerland.

Sustainability and innovation

The project stands out for its positive environmental impact:

reduction of 3,000 tons of CO2 per year between 2020 and 2049, corresponding to a 75% decrease in emissions by 2049.
increase in rail transport, with the "mod shift" rising from 12% in 2016 to 20% in 2023, with a forecast of 25% by 2035.

Passenger volumes are also growing: from the current 17,800 travelers per day, an increase of up to 19,100 is expected by 2032, an increase of 7.3%.

A future of sustainability and integration

The "MXP North Rail Access" was made possible thanks to five European grants, for a total of 90 million euros, and represents a model of integration between air and rail transport. During the meeting, experts and stakeholders participated in workshops focused on innovation and sustainability, exploring new opportunities for the future of the sector.

The meeting once again demonstrated the importance of intermodal strategies to ensure a more efficient, sustainable and connected transport system to Europe, reaffirming the central role of Malpensa in the global scenario.

By the editorial staff of Avion Tourism Magazine

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