Institutions discuss infrastructures at the Palermo-Enna Chamber of Commerce

Infrastructure priorities, progress on worksites currently underway, and new designs for railways, roads and port systems, and plans for constructing the Messina Bridge are just some of the topics that were dealt with on Monday 23 June at the “Infrastructural conditions for development of rail, road and maritime transport in Sicily” Convention organised by Unioncamere Sicilia with Uniontrasporti and the Palermo-Enna Chamber of Commerce, with the patronage of Italferr, the Sicilian Region, and the Palermo Order of Accountants and Accounting Experts.

The round table was attended by Italferr CEO, Prof. Dario Lo Bosco- an opportunity to highlight the Gruppo FS Engineering Company’s leadership in digital and high-tech that, together with the MIT and the Sicilian Region are engaged in a massive “rail care programme” for the Island. Costing more than Euro 27,6 billion, it connects rail, road, ports and airports, while valorising urban interconnections and digital control of worksites.

In addition, the synergies between central and local institutions are essential for green, intermodal development. A clear example of this is refurbishing of what was Sampolo Station and closing of the Palermo railway loop, with new Port - Politema stops, allowing those arriving at the Island’s capital by sea to reach attraction centres like Taormina, Agrigento, Trapani and Segesta by train as well as all the historical, cultural and archaeological wonders on offer. Just like the new Trapani Birgi Station, pushed for by President Schifani and Minister Salvini, as well as FS, which will create a single airport hub integrated and interconnected with the infrastructural networks, thereby increasing the capacity of the “Falcone & Borsellino” International Airport.

Finally, cooperation between the Regional Government, Port System Authorities, Airports and Gruppo FS has meant that, thanks to all the works in progress connecting the ports, airports, interports, and cargo terminals, Sicily will finally be able to fulfil its natural role as a natural logistics platform in the centre of the Mediterranean that, along with the Bridge over the Straits, will make a significant contribution and lead the development of the TEN-T “Palermo - Berlin - Helsinki - La Valletta” Corridor.

The infrastructures will be built with the utmost legality, laying the groundworks for avoiding infiltration by organised crime and mafia, while driving employment, with an eye on the youth, along with the universities.

With its 4D and 5D BIM, Italferr now contributes to integrated, multimodal sustainable development. This is an evolved system with 4D (times) and 5D (costs) control. It means never more having changes while works are in progress, with rigorous control and monitoring of how the works evolve. This Italian excellence is recognised internationally and is also confirmed by the opening of the iconic Anji Khad Cable-Stayed Bridge in India, once again reiterating Italferr’s strategic role, along with FS, in bringing advanced Italian engineering to the world.

And so, Sicily is gearing up to become the strategic commercial hub of the Mediterranean, thanks to working together and a shared view to optimise the Country’s mobility networks and to give Sicily back its role as a natural strategic platform and driver of prospects for development in Southern Europe, further strengthening the sustainable development and circular economy policies.