Mendrisio–Varese Railway

The Mendrisio–Varese railway is a railway line in southern Ticino, Switzerland, and northern Lombardy, Italy. It connects the towns of Mendrisio and Varese, crossing the Italy–Switzerland border.

The Mendrisio–Varese railway is an international railway line that connects Mendrisio in Switzerland with Varese in Italy. This line is a crucial part of the cross-border railway network in the Prealps region, serving both commuter and regional traffic. It operates as part of the Ticino S-Bahn network, specifically line S40, managed by Treno suburbano Ticino (TILO), a joint venture between the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Trenord of Italy , 2

History

It was opened in 1926 as part of the international Valmorea railway, but only two years later the border crossing was closed by the Italian government, which didn't agree with a privately owned international connection (the Italian section of the line was operated by Ferrovie Nord Milano).

The Swiss section remained active, but lost passenger service and was from then used only as a freight railway for the industries around Stabio.

Since 1993 the line is also used by touristic trains on the re-opened line to Malnate.

A new branch, the Arcisate–Stabio railway, was recently constructed, connecting Varese to Mendrisio, and therefore to Lugano and Como.LA FMV in breve
The 3,5 km section between Mendrisio and Stabio reopened to passenger trains in December 2014, the rest of the line in January 2018.

The origins of the Mendrisio–Varese railway can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a direct rail link between the Swiss canton of Ticino and the Italian province of Varese was first envisioned. The initial stretch of the current line from Mendrisio to Arcisate was opened on December 23, 1926, forming part of a broader connection that aimed to facilitate trade and passenger movement across the border , 4

However, the railway's journey was not straightforward. The line faced challenges and underwent periods of inactivity. A significant turning point came with the decision to reactivate and modernize the entire route. This ambitious project involved the complete reconstruction and double-tracking of the Italian section from Arcisate to Varese. The reconstruction was necessary to bring the line up to modern standards, increase capacity, and integrate it seamlessly with the existing railway networks of both countries , 4, 5

The modern, fully operational Mendrisio–Varese railway, featuring a new, double-tracked section from Arcisate to Varese, was officially inaugurated on December 18, 2017, and commenced regular service on January 7, 2018. This re-opening marked a significant milestone, restoring and enhancing a vital cross-border rail link after decades of partial or no operation , 4, 5

Route and Stations

The Mendrisio–Varese railway line is approximately 17.7 kilometers (11.0 miles) long. It begins at Mendrisio station in Switzerland and runs south, crossing the border into Italy. Key stations along the route include:

* Mendrisio (Switzerland): The northern terminus and connection point with the Swiss rail network, including SBB's main lines and other Ticino S-Bahn services.
* Stabio (Switzerland): An intermediate stop in Switzerland.
* Gaggiolo (Switzerland) / Gaggiolo (Italy): The border station. Although officially one station, it functions as a crossing point with joint Swiss and Italian customs facilities, reflecting its unique international status.
* Arcisate (Italy): A key intermediate station in Italy, where the line was significantly redeveloped.
* Induno Olona (Italy): An intermediate station in Italy.
* Varese (Italy): The southern terminus, connecting with Trenord services to Milan and other Italian destinations , 4

The line runs largely at surface level, traversing the varied landscape of the pre-alpine region, including agricultural areas and suburban zones. The reconstruction of the Italian section involved considerable engineering work to accommodate double-tracking and enhance safety.

Operations and Services

The Mendrisio–Varese railway forms part of the Ticino S-Bahn (S40) line, which operates under the TILO (Ticino–Lombardia) brand. TILO is a joint venture between the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Trenord, the regional railway company of Lombardy, Italy , 2

The S40 line typically runs an hourly service in each direction, connecting Mendrisio directly to Varese. This service is particularly important for cross-border commuters and for enhancing regional connectivity between Ticino and Lombardy. The trains used on this line are modern electric multiple units capable of operating on both Swiss and Italian railway infrastructures. The journey time between Mendrisio and Varese is approximately 20-25 minutes

The line's operation is subject to both Swiss and Italian railway regulations, including signaling systems, power supply, and safety standards. Border controls are generally conducted on board the trains or at the Gaggiolo station, depending on current regulations and procedures.

Significance

The Mendrisio–Varese railway holds significant importance for several reasons:

* Cross-Border Connectivity: It re-establishes a direct and efficient rail link between two economically vibrant regions, Ticino in Switzerland and Lombardy in Italy. This facilitates cross-border commuting, tourism, and economic exchange.
* Commuter Route: The line serves as a crucial commuter route for individuals traveling between southern Ticino and the Varese area, reducing reliance on road transport and alleviating congestion.
* Integration with S-Bahn Network: Its integration into the Ticino S-Bahn network ensures seamless connections with other regional and national rail services, enhancing the overall public transport offering in the wider area.
* Environmental Benefits: By providing an attractive alternative to road travel, the railway contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable mobility in a sensitive pre-alpine environment.
* Economic Development: Improved transport links can stimulate economic development in the areas served by the railway, attracting businesses and facilitating labor mobility.

Future Outlook

The Mendrisio–Varese railway is expected to continue playing a vital role in regional transport. Potential future developments could include increased service frequencies, further infrastructure upgrades, or closer integration with broader regional transport plans in both Switzerland and Italy. The line's success also provides a model for other cross-border rail projects in Europe, highlighting the benefits of international cooperation in railway infrastructure development.

Notes

References

*Ladavas, Paolo; Mentesana, Fabio (2000). ''Valle Olona Valmorea. Due nomi, una storia. La ferrovia Castellanza-Mendrisio''. Editoriale del Garda. .
* TILO (Treno Suburbano Ticino Lombardia). (n.d.). ''Line S40''. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://www.tilo.ch/Tilo/Linee/Linee-S-TILO.html
* TILO (Treno Suburbano Ticino Lombardia). (n.d.). ''Chi siamo''. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://www.tilo.ch/Tilo/Chi-siamo.html
* Inaugurata la ferrovia Arcisate-Stabio. (2017, December 18). ''VareseNews''. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://www.varesenews.it/2017/12/industria-4-0/680327/
* Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). (n.d.). ''Linea Arcisate-Stabio''. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from (Note: RFI is the infrastructure manager; specific page might need search)
* SBB CFF FFS. (2018, January 5). ''Die S40 Varese–Mendrisio nimmt den Betrieb auf''. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from uspicious link removed

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mendrisio-Stabio railway
Railway lines in Switzerland
Defunct railway companies of Switzerland
Railway lines opened in 1926
Railway lines in Lombardy
Cross-border railway lines in Italy
Cross-border railway lines in Switzerland