What happened: Italy’s Interior Ministry is rolling out new measures to protect critical rail infrastructure after a series of damaging incidents targeting the network, including high-speed lines and major stations.
The measures:
- Drones will monitor sensitive areas along the rail network.
- Video surveillance systems will be upgraded, including AI-assisted monitoring.
- Joint patrols between Ferrovie dello Stato’s Security and law enforcement will be expanded.
- Fencing will be extended along key infrastructure and high-speed routes.
The decision: The National Committee for Public Order and Security — chaired by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and attended by police chiefs, intelligence leaders and Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) executives — approved enhanced controls on trains and across the network, plus a stronger “Safe Stations” program in major hubs and crowded areas.
From Viminale: “Preventive measures and territorial monitoring are proceeding in parallel with investigative efforts to identify those responsible,” said Minister Piantedosi.
- “Counterterrorism specialists are at work, and I am confident that the first results will come soon,” he added.
- “It is worth noting that some had expressed doubts when I pointed out — including in Parliament — a real escalation in the actions of anarchist and extremist groups.”
Why it matters: Authorities believe the sabotage showed detailed knowledge of the system, with attackers choosing specific nodes and times to maximize disruption — raising concerns about the vulnerability of transport infrastructure ahead of major international events.
What they’re saying: “The incidents of recent days are particularly impactful because specific points on the network and specific times were chosen, clearly indicating expertise and knowledge of the system aimed at causing the greatest possible disruption — and in some cases this happened in a striking way,”said FS CEO Stefano Antonio Donnarumma.
- “It is unfortunate, because these Olympics are very important for everyone. As far as our responsibilities are concerned, we have been preparing for months and months.”
- “Beyond the trains, we have deployed a very significant effort: we set up a fleet of 500 buses to move 100,000 people, and then we see these efforts undermined at certain moments by this disruption.”
The bottom line: Rome is treating rail security as a national priority, blending physical protection with AI-enabled monitoring to deter further attacks and reassure the public.
