An innovative maintenance area for NTV trains in Mestre

GCF solutions for Italo workshop

Rails raised on columns, a removable rigid overhead catenary and multi-voltage power supply cabins for the trains that are being serviced: the workshop for "Italo" superfast trains that GCF is building in Mestre, Venice is the maximum in efficiency and performance.

After the preliminary stages of design and demolition of the old existing structure, the site, commissioned by RFI - Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, is now getting under way.

It is an integrated rail/catenary project that involves the installation of 4 rails, with an overall length of 1,000 metres, inside the maintenance depot and another two rails outside for washing and cleaning the NTV rolling stock, all complete with catenary and technological systems.

The structure is different from those built in the past. A number of special solutions have been designed with the final objective in mind: to create a service area for Italo trains equipped not only for routine washing and cleaning of trains, but also more complex servicing work on engines, pantographs and bogies.

The power supply for the overhead traction line will be provided by a special multi-voltage cabin that can supply the trains being serviced with the 3 kV direct current normally used on traditional lines and the 25 kV alternating current used on high speed lines and suitable for the Italo superfast trains.

"To make servicing easier", explained Roberto Stella, GCF Site Manager, "all four rails will be equipped with a removable rigid overhead catenary. In this way, the trains can get to the maintenance depot autonomously without having to be shunted by other engines. Once on site, the catenary can be removed and servicing on the train can begin."

The basic idea is to optimise on time and resources as well as extend the range of servicing offered: the track part, for example, involves the installation of raised rails with equipment drops which makes it easier to carry out underfloor work on wheels and bogies.

"To build the NTV service area", Roberto Stella explained, "we are making the most of the experience we have gained over the years by optimising and expanding the range of solutions adopted in the past in similar sites like the Trenitalia one in Mestre or, more recently, the San Rocco one in Milan. In this way, NTV will be able to operate at "High Speed" when servicing its Italo trains as well as when running them."

As soon as the foundations of the depot have been cast, the GCF site can begin work on the track and constructing the overhead catenary.