Turin Metro, Italy

Turin Metro, Italy

This is the first automatic metro system in Italy. GCF S.p.A. built the extension from Porta Nuova Railway Station to Lingotto Fiere, which was inaugurated in September 2011. The section is entirely in tunnels, on an “undulating" route for a total length of 7,400 metres serving seven stations. The track was laid on a concrete platform using specific, purpose-designed machinery for this type of vehicles and platform.

GCF sites set up for construction work were located near the wells of several main line stations, affecting densely populated urban areas and having to overcome numerous complex situations of a logistical nature, in particular as regards supplies of line construction materials.

Turin Metro: details

The automatic metro is based on technology developed by SIEMENS RAIL Systems and envisages so-called VAL convoys fitted with rubber wheels sliding on steel profiles acting as rails. This type of train makes it possible to optimise the route and reduce vibrations and noise, as well as ensuring regular and safer traffic.

The VAL system used for Turin Metro is the first in the world with a 52 metre configuration and a capacity of 440 seats. The interval between two convoys can be reduced to two minutes at peak times, thereby increasing passenger capacity which on average is 15,000 passengers/hours in each direction of travel.