Italy gets €1bn loan for rail upgrades

The agreement with the Italian Economics & Finance Ministry covers an investment programme planned by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI).

The €950m (£712m) loan agreement covers the upgrading of conventional railway lines and regional and local routes in northern and southern Italy.

RFI is undertaking to upgrade and maintain the entire Italian conventional rail network, which is used daily by millions of people.

EIB vice-president Scannapieco said: "Having been the main funder of Italy's high-speed rail network, the EIB is now supporting local routes used daily by millions of Italians.”

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