Resumed railway traffic between Paris and Milan, following the mudslide incident in Savoie.
After a week of disruptions due to unprecedented flooding in the Maurienne Valley, the railway line between Paris and Milan, Italy, is set to return to normal service from Saturday, July 5.
The flood at Modane, a small town near the Italian border, occurred on Monday, June 30, following heavy rains that caused the Charmaix torrent to overflow. The town centre, including the railway station, was submerged under nearly 50 centimeters of water and mud.
The flooding, described as the worst in 70 years, caused significant damage to the railway line, leading to the suspension of services between Paris and Milan for several days. However, SNCF Réseau, a subsidiary of the historic company responsible for the railway infrastructure, has announced that the resumption of train traffic is earlier than initially feared.
Work on the railway line was carried out "day and night" to clean, clear the tracks, repair damaged installations, and secure the site. Freight trains will have a partial resumption until Friday, July 11, when they will operate normally. Passenger services, provided by SNCF Voyageurs and Trenitalia, will also resume their five daily high-speed round trips from Saturday, July 5.
The flood at Modane contributed to the disruption of the railway line, which was already facing challenges due to the disrupted railway line. The work allowed for the necessary repairs to be made, enabling the resumption of normal service.
Despite the disruptions, the railway authorities have managed to restore the service earlier than expected, ensuring minimal inconvenience to passengers and maintaining the vital link between Paris and Milan.
The disrupted railway line between Paris and Milan, heavily impacted by the flooding at Modane, is not only a transport challenge but also poses implications for the automotive industry, as it is a key route for automobile manufacturers. The restoration of rail service following significant repairs is more than just a return to normal for the finance sector, as it ensures the continuous flow of revenue for both SNCF Voyageurs and Trenitalia, as well as the broader industry of transportation.
