For the first time in 16 years: A new European rail link will connect two countries
Next year, a new transportation route will be launched between Italy and Slovenia. Thanks to the new railroad connection, travellers will be able to get to Venice and Ljubljana by train without additional transfers for the first time in 16 years.
The Sun reported that in 2008, the cross-border train between the countries was cancelled. Later, in 2021, a new connection between Trieste and Ljubljana was proposed but was not implemented.
It is noted that on December 11, 2023, the Italian railway company Trenitalia tested the new proposed route. Its test trip started from the Venice-Mestre station to the railway station on the border of Italy and Slovenia, after which the train went to Slovenia with a stop in Ljubljana and Sežana.
The Italian state railroad FS Italiane did not provide details about the new route and its possible cost. It reported, "It seems that the time has come to resume cross-border traffic between the two countries." It is noted that if the launch of the new train goes according to plan, its opening should be expected in April 2024.
Moreover, this is not the only new rail route to look forward to in Europe. The Sun reports that in the spring of 2025, a new high-speed route that will connect Barcelona with Amsterdam and run between Barcelona and Zurich is to be launched. It is expected to significantly improve the quality of north-south rail service in Europe.