EU Approves Support Measure: Combined Transport on Frejus Line Can Make a Comeback

Why It Matters

Restoring the Fréjus rail highway enhances European freight efficiency, cuts road congestion, and supports EU climate and logistics objectives.

Key Takeaways

• EU grants €5 million to France, Italy for CT revival
• Service aims 100 trucks each direction daily
• Expected restart September after 19‑month closure
• Intermodal capacity increase projected at 15 %
• Market‑based instrument replaces stalled monopoly model

Pulse Analysis

The 175‑kilometre Fréjus railway, threading the Mont Cenis tunnel, has long been a strategic artery linking the French and Italian freight networks. A landslide in August 2023 forced the line’s closure, halting the combined‑transport (CT) service that moves trucks on rail and leaving a critical gap in the Alpine corridor. In March 2025 the European Commission approved a €5 million support measure, split evenly between France and Italy, to finance the restart of CT operations between Aiton and Orbassano. The funding replaces a stalled monopoly concession with a market‑based instrument, clearing the regulatory deadlock that kept the service idle for over a year.

The revived service is slated to handle up to 100 trucks per direction each day, translating into a 15 % lift in intermodal volumes according to Orbassano interport officials. By shifting freight from road to rail, the corridor can alleviate congestion on the A6 and A32 motorways, cut emissions, and lower transport costs for shippers. The market‑based support also invites multiple operators to compete for slots, fostering efficiency and price transparency that were absent under the previous single‑concession model. Early interest from logistics firms suggests the line could quickly become a preferred route for north‑south European trade.

EU policymakers view the Fréjus revival as a cornerstone of the bloc’s broader goal to double rail freight’s share of total cargo by 2030. Restoring the Alpine rail highway not only strengthens cross‑border supply chains but also aligns with the European Green Deal’s ambition to reduce road‑derived CO₂ emissions. While the €5 million injection jump‑starts operations, long‑term sustainability will depend on continued investment in tunnel maintenance, digital signalling, and harmonised customs procedures. If these elements coalesce, the Fréjus line could set a template for reviving other dormant trans‑Alpine routes across Europe.