The LNPCA, a priority project
The European Council of Ministers of Transport has made a major decision for the region, as the Marseille-Gênes railway axis is listed as...
Thus, this European recognition opens the way to unprecedented funding for the Ligne Nouvelle Provence Côte d'Azur. Until now, only the Nice-Gênes section appeared on the list of priority cross-border links. Thanks to a decisive mobilization by Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport, supported by the Région Sud, the cross-border interest of the entire Marseille-Gênes corridor, and therefore of the project, is recognized. This revision of the European position is based on a now shared observation. Indeed, the LNPCA is not a local project, but an essential infrastructure for the fluid flow of trade between Espagne, France, and Italie. Putting the Marseille-Saint-Charles station underground will indeed promote the development of international lines between Espagne, France, and Italie, as much as the new Niceaéroport TGV station or the Toulon shuttle. With this decision, Europe can strengthen its support, after an initial contribution of €108 million. Phases 1 and 2 represent €3.6 billion of investment, with 40% funding from the State and 40% from local authorities. "As of 2028, the Marseille-Gênes axis will be eligible for European funding as a priority cross-border link. This is a major decision, which confirms the European dimension of the Ligne Nouvelle Provence-Côte d'Azur and which will make the Marseille-Vintimille railway axis an essential link in the Mediterranean arc," welcomed Renaud Muselier, President of the Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. •