Journey back in time with me. We are standing before a testament to Milan’s evolving transportation history. The Ferrovia Milano-Mortara.
This railway whispers tales of ambition connecting Milan to Mortara. Imagine the year 1854. The first segment opened between Mortara and Vigevano. It was a modest 12.6 km stretch. Its purpose? To boost connections within the Kingdom of Sardinia. It was also intended to push for a railway linking Milan and Genoa.
Fast forward to 1870. The missing link connecting Vigevano to Milan was completed. Visualize the old Milano Centrale station. It was the railway’s original Milanese terminus. The Ferrovia Milano-Mortara played a crucial role.
Initially, only two trains ran daily. Locals protested. They wanted more service to Abbiategrasso and Vigevano. The railway company responded. They increased the number of trains. Freight traffic outweighed passenger traffic. Commuting to Milan was not yet widespread.
The Ferrovia Milano-Mortara became secondary to the Milan-Genoa line. Still, it provided the fastest route to Alessandria. Also Acqui Terme and the port of Savona. It became essential for local traffic. It transported goods from Monferrato and Lomellina to Milan.
Originally named Porta Ticinese station, it was renamed Milano Porta Genova in 1923. In 1886, Abbiategrasso station saw innovation. The first ACI system was installed. Engineer Riccardo Bianchi designed it. It remotely controlled switches and signals.
A double-track connection from Milano Porta Sempione to Rogoredo opened in 1891. That same year, the Porta Genova-Porta Sempione section was doubled.
In 1910, Milano San Cristoforo station began passenger service. It was previously a freight yard. Several connections to nearby industries were added. But were later abandoned. The proposal to double the entire Milano-Mortara line was rejected in 1911. Despite support from the Public Works Minister Ettore Sacchi.
During World War II, Vigevano station suffered heavy bombing. This was due to its proximity to military warehouses. Mortara station was also severely damaged in 1944. The bridge over the Ticino River was damaged. But it was quickly repaired.
Electrification arrived in 1965. Electric traction replaced steam power. The Ferrovia Milano-Mortara entered a new era.
Between 1979 and 1983, Porta Genova station closed for subway construction. Trains temporarily terminated at San Cristoforo. A connecting bus service was established.
In 2009, a key milestone was achieved. The doubling of the track between Milano San Cristoforo and Albairate-Vermezzo was completed.
Today, the Ferrovia Milano-Mortara continues to serve commuters and travelers. It connects Milan to Mortara and beyond. It has evolved over the decades. It reflects Milan’s growth. It also mirrors the changing needs of its people. The Ferrovia Milano-Mortara remains a vital artery.