Train Halt Between Gallarate and Rho to Affect April Travel
Train traffic on the Lombardy section of the Milan–Domodossola route will be suspended between Gallarate and Rho from 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, to 5:25 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025. This disruption is necessary to allow infrastructure operator Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), part of the FS Group, to carry out vital technological improvements on the regional rail network.
The upcoming works are part of a broader strategy to implement the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a modern control and signaling technology already active on Italy’s high-speed lines. The aim of this system is to improve the safety and reliability of train services and reduce future operational and maintenance costs. Value of the project is €120 million, partly supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Travelers planning journeys through northern Italy during this time may experience schedule disruptions, particularly on popular weekend routes. Gallarate and Rho are transit hubs for travelers to Milan, Lake Maggiore or onward to Switzerland and the temporary closure could also mean fewer train options or longer journey times. During the affected time frame, replacement transport options should not have sufficient capacity to accommodate all passenger demand.
In order to avoid surprises, Tourists should check for cancelled services and other schedules in advance related to their flights at airport, regional or intercity public transport transfers. Rail operators are supposed to provide regular updates, however self-organized travelers are recommended to prepare in advance and may take earlier trains or reroute around stations with delays.
This rail stop-over serves as a reminder of traveling plans which can clash with infrastructure enhancements. While the short-term impact may cause inconvenience, the long-term result is aimed at improving travel reliability and safety. For those planning spring trips through Lombardy, awareness and preparation will be essential to ensuring a smooth experience.