SBB is moving forward with the construction of a new railway industrial plant in Arbedo-Castione, which will replace the existing maintenance workshops in Bellinzona.
The new site will serve as a hub for both light and heavy maintenance activities for a fleet of up to 110 electric trains, including Giruno, ETR, and Flirt TILO units, as well as 40 locomotives. It will accommodate at least 360 permanent employees and provide training for around 80 apprentices.
Technical overview
The facility, measuring 370 metres in length and covering 62,000 square metres of floor space, is designed with 850,000 cubic metres of built volume. The plant layout includes new railway access points, 15 kilometres of tracks, and seven stabling tracks for regional services. A fourth track is under construction at the Castione-Arbedo station, including a 220-metre platform extension. Track 54 remains in use for freight access to a neighbouring logistics centre.
The existing pedestrian underpass at Castione-Arbedo will be extended, and a new pedestrian and cycle underpass will be built to ensure access to the new facility, with three ramps connecting to surrounding infrastructure.Staff and training
The move from Bellinzona to Arbedo-Castione requires a shift in skill sets. Staff working in heavy maintenance will receive additional training to perform tasks that are increasingly focused on electrical and digital systems, in contrast to traditional mechanical operations. Apprentices at the new facility are expected to take over from experienced colleagues over time.
Environmental and infrastructure considerations
The plant is designed without fossil fuel dependency. A wood-chip heating plant will be installed, alongside a photovoltaic system on the sloped roof section. The roof itself will feature a green area accessible to staff, combining ecological zones with skylights and technical infrastructure.
Drainage and biodiversity features are planned around the facility. This includes reopening and rehabilitating the currently buried Moliègh stream and creating wetlands to connect the site with the Ticino River's natural habitat.
Dry grassland will be used across the track and parking areas. Vehicular, pedestrian, and cycle traffic around the construction zone will be rerouted during the works, which are expected to continue until the facility is operational in 2028.
Financial structure
The total cost of the Arbedo-Castione project is CHF 755 million, approximately EUR 785 million. The investment is co-financed by SBB, the Canton of Ticino, the City of Bellinzona, and the Swiss Confederation.
