Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Significant changes to train operations are set to affect travel in southern Italy as Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) accelerates work on the Naples–Bari high-speed rail line. From 5 April at 00:01 until 7 April at midnight, rail traffic between Caserta and Benevento will be suspended. A second closure will impact the Caserta–Cancello route from 23:30 on 7 April until 04:00 on 18 April, halting all services in that section.

These interruptions are part of a major infrastructure enhancement aimed at completing two key sections: Cancello–Frasso Telesino and Frasso Telesino–Telese. The upgrades, scheduled for activation in late 2025, involve daily participation of around 550 specialists and a total investment of €630 million. The works are essential for improving future rail capacity and speed but require temporary service adjustments across multiple lines.

For travelers, especially those relying on regional connections, these developments may cause significant itinerary disruptions. Long-distance services will be rerouted or replaced by substitute transport, increasing travel times. Popular destinations along the Naples–Bari axis may be less accessible for the majority of travellers who do not have flexible schedules. It is suggested that travelers monitor rail operator updates and look for alternate routes if feasible.

Tourists planning their Easter holidays in Italy could face some extra problems with all these closing. The affected window overlaps with a period of increased tourism and public travel. Tourists heading toward Apulia or interior Campania should consider options such as advance bookings for buses, alternate rail links via Rome, or adjusting departure dates to avoid peak closures. Some timely planning could help reduce the blow.

Though the fixes are intended to mean faster and more effective train travel in the future, commuters over the next week will have to deal with temporary rerouting and disruptions. The situation underscores the importance of staying informed about infrastructure changes when traveling across Italy by train, especially during busy travel seasons.