The project involves the construction of a new High-speed railway line along the Salerno–Reggio Calabria route, which is a strategic passenger and freight corridor linking the north and south of the country.

Plans also include the construction of several stops along the new line and the doubling of the track for the Paola–Cosenza section via the new Santomarco tunnel, with a view to upgrading the freight route to the Port of Gioia Tauro. The works will ensure greater accessibility to the rail network and the opportunity to develop new passenger services along the north-south axis of the peninsula, which will also benefit connections to and from Sicily.

The entire route from Salerno to Reggio Calabria has been divided into functional sections. Given the scale and cost of the entire project, the study identified possible intermediate timeframes, prioritising certain sections of the project that would deliver the greatest benefits.

In relation to the priority scenario, the project is funded, including through NRRP funds

Aldo Isi was appointed Extraordinary Government Commissioner for the completion of the works.