The first stretch of the future Naples-Bari high-speed/high-capacity railway is progressing, with Webuild leading the construction on behalf of RFI (FS Italiane Group). The initial two kilometres of track have been successfully laid on the Naples-Cancello segment, and work on the Casalnuovo Tunnel is nearing completion. The tunnel, which is being excavated using an innovative and sustainable hyperbaric technique, is a first in Italy for projects involving groundwater interaction.
Track installation for the 15.5-kilometre Naples-Cancello section commenced at Acerra station (in the Naples province) and is progressing towards Cancello (CE). The project is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. Once finished, the new tracks will connect to the Naples-Afragola station, a key transport hub that will integrate suburban, regional, and historic railway networks with the high-speed system.
With the activation of the Naples-Cancello section, new stations will open at Acerra and Casalnuovo, along with a planned Centro Commerciale stop. These additions, which are set to begin in early 2026, will significantly improve access to the high-speed rail network in the Naples metropolitan area. The integration of regional lines with the Naples-Afragola high-speed station will enhance connections for cities including Casoria, Casalnuovo, Afragola, Caivano, and Acerra.
At the same time, excavation of the Casalnuovo Tunnel continues according to schedule, with over 60% of the work already completed. The tunnel, which passes through a densely populated area, is being excavated 24/7 using the hyperbaric technique, a method rarely used for projects of this kind in Europe. This approach allows for continuous excavation in challenging conditions.
The future Naples-Bari high-speed railway will span 145 kilometres and include 9 tunnels, 25 viaducts, and 16 new stations and stops. Once completed, the project will revolutionise travel in southern Italy, reducing the journey time between Naples and Bari from approximately four hours to just two. This will improve connections between Campania, Apulia, and the rest of central and northern Italy.
Webuild is working on four sections of the route—Naples-Cancello, Apice-Hirpinia, Hirpinia-Orsara, and Orsara-Bovino. These projects are part of 19 major initiatives the Group is undertaking across southern Italy and the islands, encompassing over 300 kilometres of new high-speed/high-capacity railway. To support this work, Webuild currently employs more than 8,100 people across the region, including both direct employees and contractors, and has engaged 5,400 companies in its supply chain since the start of construction.
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