Fully Automated Metro System for Naples Line 10

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), leading a consortium of Italian industrial and technology partners, has been awarded the comprehensive project contract for Lot 2 of the new Naples Metro Line 10 by Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV), covering the design, supply, and implementation of a fully automated metro system.

Contract scope and value
The contract, awarded to the CAF-led RTI consortium, has a total potential value exceeding €630 million, including all options. The initial base stage is valued at €259 million. Consortium partners include AET S.r.l., Francesco Ventura Costruzioni Ferroviarie S.r.l., Mer Mec STE S.r.l., and Leonardo S.p.A., bringing together expertise across rolling stock, signalling, infrastructure, and systems integration.

Lot 2 encompasses a turnkey delivery of railway systems and services, reflecting a growing preference among urban transport authorities for integrated contracts that reduce interface risk and accelerate deployment.

Systems, infrastructure, and operations
The scope includes a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) signalling system operating at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4), the highest level of railway automation. Additional elements comprise electrical substations, overhead catenary, data networks, telecommunications systems, platform screen doors, and a centralized Operational Control Centre.

The contract also covers workshop equipment for new depots and comprehensive maintenance services, supporting long-term system availability and lifecycle performance.

Driverless rolling stock based on INNEO
The project includes the supply of a new fleet of fully automated metro trains based on CAF’s INNEO platform. Each unit will consist of three high-capacity cars designed for high-frequency urban service, with modern interior and exterior layouts aligned with contemporary passenger comfort and accessibility standards.

By integrating rolling stock design with signalling and control systems, the project aims to optimize performance, reliability, and energy efficiency across the entire line.

OPTIO signalling and GoA4 automation
CAF’s OPTIO signalling system will enable fully autonomous GoA4 operation across Line 10. In GoA4 systems, trains operate without drivers or onboard staff, with the control system managing all functions including acceleration, braking, door operation, emergency response, and depot movements.

This level of automation is intended to improve service reliability, increase operational flexibility, and support shorter headways, while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Strategic milestone for CAF
The Naples Metro Line 10 project represents CAF’s first implementation of a fully automated metro operation. This milestone completes the company’s signalling portfolio by extending its capabilities from mainline and conventional railway applications into fully automated urban transit systems.

The contract also underscores CAF’s continued commitment to the signalling sector as a core component of comprehensive mobility solutions.

Urban mobility context in Campania
The Afragola–Napoli LAN Line (Line 10) will extend approximately 12 kilometres and form a key element of Naples’ Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. The line is designed to connect the Afragola high-speed rail station with the Naples metropolitan network, strengthening links between regional, national, and urban rail services.

By integrating high-capacity driverless metro operations with existing transport infrastructure, Line 10 is positioned to improve network connectivity, reduce travel times, and support more sustainable urban mobility in the Campania region.