Naples, Italy – The Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) has given a decisive green light to the Valle Ufita Logistic Platform, a strategic project integral to the Naples-Bari High-Speed/Capacity railway line. This pivotal decision, announced on Monday, January 5, 2026, involves the waiver of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure, a move expected to shave at least 12 months off the project’s timeline.
Accelerating a Key Infrastructure Project
Emilio De Vizia, president of Confindustria Campania and former president of Irpinia industrialists, expressed his satisfaction with the Ministry’s decision. “Now, all authorizations are complete, and we can proceed with the tender,” De Vizia stated, highlighting the significance of this development for the entire political-administrative system of the region. The MASE, under Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, issued a decree from the Directorate General for Environmental Assessments, declaring the project “not subject” to EIA procedures.
“This means recovering at least 12 months on the implementation time and finally thinking about the actual start of works, beginning, of course, with their assignment,” added De Vizia.
The Valle Ufita Logistic Platform is designed to be a crucial node for freight traffic in the inland areas of Avellino and Benevento, situated close to the Naples-Bari High-Speed/Capacity railway line. This railway is a cornerstone for the development of Southern Italy and the entire country.
Project Details and Financial Backing
The project, already developed by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), was presented to the Ministry for environmental evaluations. The preliminary opinion from the Technical Commission for Environmental Impact Verification, issued on December 1st, confirmed that the “Valle Ufita Logistic Platform” project does not pose significant negative environmental impacts, thus negating the need for an EIA.
The project is fully funded with 140 million euros from the Cohesion Agreement signed by the Campania Region and the central government in September 2024. This funding will facilitate a direct connection between the high-speed rail line and the logistic hub, enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the productive system in a vast area often excluded from major transport routes.
Located in Ariano Irpino, near the important Hirpinia station of the AV/AC line, and extending into the municipalities of Grottaminarda, Flumeri, and Melito Irpino, the project is expected to take approximately three years to complete under normal conditions. It will involve the construction of a terminal to serve freight traffic from both Naples and Bari directions.
Regional Impact and Future Outlook
De Vizia emphasized the need for all stakeholders – the Government, the Campania Region, and local administrations – to work swiftly and in unison to finalize the procedural process and complete all complementary infrastructures. This, he noted, is crucial for the credibility of local politics and to capitalize on an opportunity initially planned under the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) but fortunately not sidelined.
If the timeline is adhered to, the Logistic Platform could become operational concurrently with the full activation of the Naples-Bari line. The Naples-Bari line itself is progressing, with additional sections expected to become operational in early 2026, aiming to connect the two regional capitals in just three hours within three years.
Progress on the Naples-Bari Line
Tullio Ferrante, Undersecretary for Transport, recently confirmed the progress, stating that “the Naples-Bari high-speed rail is a priority for the development of the South and the entire country.” He detailed that works on the Naples-Cancello section are nearly complete, with the doubling of the line and the activation of two stops at Acerra and Afragola expected by June 2026. Afragola will serve as an interchange hub for the Naples-Rome high-speed line, the Naples-Bari line, and the Eav network.
In the same month, the doubling of the Cancello-Frasso Telesino line will be activated, following the single-track operation last September. The completion of works on the Frasso Telesino-Telese Vitulano section is also anticipated. These advancements are bringing closer the realization of a strategic infrastructure that will modernize connections, reduce disparities, and boost growth in the region. Ferrante also highlighted ongoing railway infrastructure improvements in Southern Italy, including the Adriatic backbone, which already facilitates high-speed connections between Lecce and Milan without necessarily passing through Rome.
This comprehensive development promises a significant economic uplift for Campania and surrounding regions, integrating them more effectively into national and international transport networks.
Source: [ilmattino.it](https://www.ilmattino.it/primopiano/cronaca/napoli_bari_ministero_accelera_sulla_valle_ufita_la_piattaforma_niente_via-9280534.html)
