Members of Italy’s opposition criticised Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini on Saturday over severe train disruption at Milan’s Central Station.
The chaos caused significant delays and cancellations, affecting rail connections across the country. Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein stated: “Delays and cancellations again today. Trenitalia advises avoiding travel.”
Schlein accused Salvini of prioritising his political ambitions, referencing his alleged desire to return to the interior ministry. She said Salvini is the “worst transport minister in history,” adding that “Italy cannot travel, work, or study – it’s a disaster.”
Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five-Star Movement (M5S) and former prime minister, criticised Salvini’s focus on Elon Musk’s satellites instead of addressing train issues. “Today was another black day of delays amid total indifference,” Conte remarked.
Angelo Bonelli, co-spokesman for Green Europe and MP for the Green-Left Alliance (AVS), echoed these concerns, calling cancellations and delays a daily issue under the current government. Bonelli urged Premier Giorgia Meloni to consider Salvini’s resignation.
Accidental damage to overhead line
Saturday’s train disruption began at 7:50 am due to a malfunction of the overhead line at Milan’s Central Station. Trenitalia reported delays of up to 170 minutes, with several trains cancelled. Services connecting Milan to Genoa, Venice, and Bologna were temporarily suspended.
The issue, initially linked to a possible power fault, was attributed to two trains damaging the overhead line with their pantographs. Police ruled out sabotage, calling the malfunction accidental.
The disruption also caused delays of up to 140 minutes at Rome’s Termini Station. Trenitalia later announced that all services had been reactivated and promised full refunds to affected travellers.
Salvini blames “decades of disinterest”
The transport ministry blamed “decades of disinterest, lack of investment, and ideological opposition” for the railway network’s infrastructural deficiencies. It highlighted Salvini’s efforts to improve the system, citing a 2% rise in passenger numbers in 2024 and plans for 875 new trains by 2025.
However, commuters using the rail system daily attest to constant delays on many lines.
