Salerno–Reggio Calabria High-Speed Rail: breakthrough of the Caterina tunnel on Lot 1A

Lot 1A of the Salerno–Reggio Calabria High-Speed Rail line reaches a major milestone with the breakthrough of the Caterina tunnel — the first tunnel completed along the route, with over 1 km excavated continuously by the TBM Mireille.

Following the completion of the tunnel, TBM Mireille — weighing 1,200 tonnes and equipped with a cutterhead exceeding 10 metres in diameter — is now being positioned at the entrance of the Sicignano tunnel, where it will begin excavating the next section, approximately 2.5 kilometres long.

Alongside Mireille, three additional TBMs — Partenope, Leucosia and Ligea — are currently operating on Lot 1A. With cutterheads exceeding 13 metres in diameter, they are the largest TBMs ever deployed by Ghella. Their names pay tribute to the myth of the Sirens that once inhabited the Gulf of Salerno.

Section 1A of the project covers the design and construction of around 35 km of railway, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. Approximately 18 km of the route will be underground, including 8 cut-and-cover tunnels, 11 natural tunnels, and 19 viaducts. Four TBMs will be used for excavation. A junction at Romagnano will connect the new line to the existing historic railway alignment. 

Photo courtesy Consorzio Xenia