“Molino,” a name whispered with echoes of Milan’s industrial past. The Molino / Deposito Molino Nuovo stands before you. It is a testament to the city’s evolving transport history. This wasn’t always a depot for buses. Let me tell you its story.
In the late 1920s Milan was transforming. The Società Trazione Elettrica Lombarda started electrifying Milan’s interurban tramways. Think of it as Milan upgrading its veins for a new flow of life. Between 1928 and 1931 lines known as the “tranvie dell’Adda” were electrified. As part of this project the old station-depot in viale Montenero was abandoned in 1929. The terminus moved first to Porta Venezia then to via Benedetto Marcello in 1931.
With the original station-depot gone a new facility was needed. This new site became the Molino or Molino Nuovo. It was located on via Padova 112 just beyond the railway. The Molino / Deposito Molino Nuovo was inaugurated on May 24 1929. This coincided with the activation of electric traction on the line to Vimercate. Imagine the excitement that day. A modern transport hub opening its doors.
The new structure covered 23840 square meters. About 23600 square meters were fenced. Around 3810 square meters were covered. The track extended for a total of 2850 meters. On January 19 1957 the depot housed 19 electric railcars 31 trailers and 8 wagons. It was a bustling hub of activity.
However change was on the horizon. With the construction of the “linee celeri dell’Adda” tram service along via Padova was discontinued on May 16 1960. It was diverted to the parallel via Palmanova. So the Molino / Deposito Molino Nuovo was transformed into a bus depot. The tram cars were moved to the Leoncavallo and Gorgonzola depots. The Molino adapted to the changing needs of Milan’s transport system.
Today the Molino / Deposito Molino Nuovo stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of Milan’s transport evolution. From trams to buses it has played a vital role in moving people. As you stand here think about the history beneath your feet. Think about the trams that once rumbled through. Think about the buses that now take their place. The Molino is a silent witness to Milan’s ever changing urban landscape.