Italian rail agency Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) suspended its contract with Str92 on Thursday.
The company was responsible for maintenance work on the Parco-Prenestino-Roma Termini rail line, which allegedly caused a malfunction in Rome’s railway network, paralysing traffic and affecting train circulation nationwide on Wednesday.
Giuseppe Proia, CEO of Str92, based in Fontana Liri near Frosinone, told ANSA the company is investigating “exactly what happened yesterday.” He added, “Before speaking, we want to have a clear picture of what occurred.” Str92 has not yet appointed a lawyer or made a final decision regarding the suspension of its contract with RFI.
The company, whose clients include Rome’s Metro C subway line and the highway agency ANAS, is now under scrutiny after the disruption.
Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini attributed the massive train disruption to a mistake made by technicians from the private company, who allegedly hammered a nail into a crucial cable. On Thursday, Salvini faced criticism from opposition members, including Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein, for focusing blame on individual workers. Responding to the backlash, Salvini stated, “I deal with approving legislation and finding money, I don’t go around hammering nails.”
He went on to highlight the government’s significant investment in rail maintenance and infrastructure.
“In 2024, 3.5 billion euros have been allocated for maintenance, and nine billion for the rail network. Clearly, there was human error, and we must work to minimise such occurrences.”
The investigation into the incident continues, while the rail agency and the company involved await further developments.
