Italy is embarking on a significant infrastructure project to construct a new high-speed railway line connecting Naples and Bari, with the goal of reversing depopulation and revitalizing the underdeveloped southern regions.

The need for such infrastructure is underscored by the fact that nearly 200,000 young graduates have left southern Italy for better opportunities in the north over the past decade, contributing to a projected population decline.

Young professionals, such as Federica Favo, express optimism about the job opportunities that will arise from the project, highlighting a positive shift in the local job market.

Spanning 145 kilometers, the new line is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Naples and Bari from four hours to just two, with completion anticipated by 2028.

During the construction phase, the project is projected to generate over 4 billion euros in business and create approximately 62,000 jobs, according to the think-tank Svimez.

Officials believe that the new rail link will provide commuting options for residents of smaller towns, allowing them to live locally while accessing job opportunities in larger cities, potentially reversing the trend of depopulation.

Despite past criticisms regarding slow spending of EU funds, this railway project is viewed as a success story within Italy's broader investment strategy.

Historically, Italy's rail network has favored the wealthier northern regions, leaving the south underserved and exacerbating its economic challenges.

The new line will replace an outdated single track with a modern two-track system, revamping existing stations and adding a new station in Irpinia, a remote area inland from Naples.

The railway line is part of a broader investment strategy by the state-controlled railway group Ferrovie dello Stato, which plans to invest around 60 billion euros in enhancing the national rail network over the next decade.

Local residents, including Angela Lombardi, are hopeful that the new railway station will enhance travel options and job opportunities, marking a significant development for their communities.

This ambitious project, which will cost over 6 billion euros, is partly funded by the European Union's COVID-19 recovery fund, contributing nearly a quarter of the total cost.