Two years ago it was just a model. Today it is reality: Treen, the first reduced gauge train powered exclusively on battery in Italy (and among the first in Europe), was presented at ExpoFoferroviaria 2025 in Milan.
To sign the project are the Railways Appululo Lucane (Fal), a public transport company owned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, which manages the network between Puglia and Basilicata.
But what does “reduced gauge” mean?
The expression “reduced gauge” refers to the distance between the two rails of a track: while the standard gauge measures 1,435 millimeters, the reduced one – as in the case of the Fal network – is 950 millimeters. This type of infrastructure is typical of regional and mountain lines, where curves are narrower and the limited space.
The reduced gauge trains are more compact and agile, ideal for tortuous paths and complex territories such as those of the Lucanian and Murgian hinterland.
Precisely for this reason, Treen represents a technical record, because it brings battery -up technology to a “narrow” railway network where diesel convoys circulated.
A revolution on Rotaie
The convoy, created by Switzerland Stadler, is the first of the seven electrovines who will gradually enter service by the end of 2026, revolutionizing the Altamura-Matera section with a fully electrical and zero-emission system of traction.
The total investment for the supply of convoys amounts to 63 million euros, financed through the PNRR, the complementary fund and the PON-PAC 2014-2020, following a European public tender.
The project is part of a larger infrastructure plan which, including the new charging stations and line adjustments, reaches a total value of more than 80 million euros.
We thought it two years ago and now it is a reality, in full respect of the times and commitments made, said Stefano Di Bello, general manager of Fal.
It is a bet also shared by its predecessor Matteo Colamussi And supported by Minister Matteo Salvini, who defined the “Il Vera Green” project.
Decarbonisation and savings of CO₂: the sustainable turning point
Treen’s heart is the decarbonisation of the regional railway service. According to Stadler’s official data, the new convoys will save over 1,300 tons of Co₂ per year compared to an equivalent diesel park – an important contribution to the reduction of the environmental impact of rail transport.
As the president of Fal, Vittorio Zizza, pointed out, “sustainable mobility is no longer a slogan, but a concrete goal that starts from the South”.
On the same line, Pasquale Pepe, vice -president and councilor for infrastructure and transport of the Basilicata region, reiterated the commitment “to translate good intentions into tangible actions”.
Technology and design: efficiency and comfort on board
Treen’s sustainability is not limited to propulsion: every detail is designed to reduce consumption and improve travel experience.
Among the equipment:
Next steps: tests and put into service by 2026
With the official presentation, the project now enters the crucial phase of the technical tests, which will last about 18 months. During this period the works for charging infrastructures and operating tests on the Fal network will be completed.
It is a European record for reduced gauge trains – said Maurizio Oberti, Stadler Italy sales director – which confirms how battery -powered technology is now a mature solution for regional transport.
