Desio, January 12, 2026 – The construction of the Milan-Seregno metro-tram line is set to begin significantly earlier than initially planned. Tracks in Desio, originally scheduled for removal in 2028, will now be dismantled during 2026. This acceleration is the result of a collaborative agreement between the Desio Municipal Steering Committee and the Metropolitan City of Milan.
Early Start Driven by Safety Concerns
The decision to expedite the project was prompted by urgent safety concerns regarding the disused tram tracks in Desio. During meetings held in late 2025, it was highlighted that these old, unused tracks posed a significant danger to road users and contributed to urban decay. Consequently, the plan to remove them was brought forward, effectively advancing the entire metro-tram construction schedule.
Project Timeline and Scope
The agreement, signed with the contractor Cmc Ravenna, outlines the opening of construction sites in Corso Italia, Via Podgora, and Gramsci in Desio as early as January 2026. This initial phase is expected to conclude by the end of 2026. For the Via Gramsci section, bordering Nova Milanese, the Metropolitan City and Cmc Ravenna aim to accelerate operations as much as possible throughout the current year. This revised timeline will allow for better coordination with other initiatives undertaken by the Municipality of Desio.
The overall project, initially conceived in 1999, commenced construction in January 2023 with a total investment of 256 million euros. The metro-tram line will span 14.3 kilometers, featuring 25 stops spaced approximately 540 meters apart. It will traverse eight municipalities: Milan, Bresso, Cormano, Cusano Milanino, Paderno Dugnano, Nova Milanese, Desio, and Seregno. The first section, from Parco Nord to Calderara in Paderno Dugnano (7.9 km), will feature a double track, while the second section, from Calderara to Seregno FS (6.4 km), will be a single track with passing loops at intersections.
Environmental Considerations and Infrastructure
An integral part of the project includes a new tram depot at the border between Desio and Seregno, an 800 square meter covered facility for tram storage and maintenance. Eight electrical substations are planned, with four underground and four above ground, along with an interchange parking facility in Paderno Dugnano.
The project also incorporates green initiatives. The trams will be equipped with transmitters capable of recovering energy generated during braking and feeding it back into the grid. Furthermore, for every tree removed during construction, two new trees will be planted as compensation.
Desio’s Conditions for Substation Construction
Regarding the ‘Desio/Stadio’ electrical substation, the Municipality of Desio has expressed its willingness for its above-ground construction, provided certain commitments are met. Mayor Carlo Moscatelli and Security Councillor Fabio Arosio stated, “The conditions include increased compensatory planting, careful consideration of landscape integration, and, crucially, a guarantee against further delays in the execution of the works. We will continue to monitor the project to ensure that planned interventions are carried out on schedule and in accordance with the needs of our community. Collaboration between entities is fundamental; we are convinced that through constructive dialogue and careful planning, it is possible to transform a challenge into an opportunity for urban improvement, with concrete benefits in terms of safety, livability, and urban quality.”
Revised Project Schedule and Construction Methodology
The overall construction period is estimated to be approximately 38 months, with an additional 15-month extension plus six and a half months for supplementary works. The new program anticipates significant changes to the original timeline.
In Cusano Milanino, a track of just under two kilometers will be installed, divided into eight construction sites and 16 sections, with an additional five sites for the disused line sections. Paderno will see another two kilometers of track across six sites and 12 sections, plus one site for the disused line and another for the interchange parking. In Bresso, the section will be 2.2 kilometers, divided into seven sites and 11 sections. Finally, in Milan, 365 meters of tram track will be developed across three sites and four sections.
Construction sites will be mobile, extending between two main intersections with a reduced longitudinal length (between approximately 50 and 350 meters) compared to traditional sites. This approach aims to ensure maximum transverse accessibility through critical intersections and maintain a consistent width of existing roadways during various phases. Works will commence with the dismantling of existing lines and the construction of the project’s road infrastructure with urban arrangements on one side, followed by the same process on the opposite side. The installation of the tram line with its associated technologies will conclude with testing and commissioning.
Travel Time and Frequency
Once completed, the metro-tram line is expected to offer a service every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during off-peak hours. The estimated travel time for the entire route from Milan to Seregno is a maximum of 40-50 minutes.
Source: MilanoToday
