Hitachi Rail signs €200m deal to supply 22 trains for Naples Metro Line 6

Naples, Italy (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Naples' metro system, Hitachi Rail has clinched a €200 million contract from the Municipality of Naples to supply 22 new-generation trains for Metro Line 6. These trains, measuring 39 meters in total length and boasting a capacity of 290 passengers, will be equipped with state-of-the-art Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology.

The ATP technology is set to ensure the safe operation of the trains, coupled with an innovative air conditioning system designed for optimal passenger comfort across all seasons. Luca D'Aquila, COO of Hitachi Rail Group, expressed the company's commitment to providing sustainable and innovative mobility solutions globally. D'Aquila highlighted the role of urban transport in fostering integrated and sustainable mobility ecosystems.

Manufacturing of the new trains is slated to take place at Hitachi Rail's factory sites in Pistoia and Naples. The initial phase of the contract involves the construction of the first six bidirectional metropolitan trains. Expected to be in service from 2026, these trains will gradually enhance service frequency, contributing to increased capacity and passenger comfort.

Mayor Gaetano Manfredi emphasized the significance of this development in elevating rail transport within the city. The administration's ongoing efforts aim to provide a technologically advanced transport system that ensures efficiency and safety for users.

According to Edoardo Cosenza, the Councilor for Mobility, Line 6 is expected to open for use in the Mostra-Municipio section this summer, utilizing existing trains. These trains, measuring 25 meters and accommodating 200 passengers, will undergo maintenance and enhancements for safety instrumentation. By the summer of 2026, the transition to the new 39-meter trains, with a capacity of 290 passengers, will be complete, improving carrying capacity and comfort.

Subsequently, there are plans for a phased transition to new double-composition trains, accommodating 580 passengers with a frequency of 4.5 minutes. Line 6 is set to connect the large basin of Bagnoli, Fuorigrotta, Chiaia, and Posillipo, creating a link with Piazza Municipio via interchange on Line 1.

Hitachi Rail's contract to deliver cutting-edge trains marks a pivotal step in Naples' endeavor to enhance its metro system, ensuring efficiency, safety, and improved passenger experience.