Italian Railways Network relies on Thales to secure 61 stations

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) the Italian rail network operator, has awarded a pool of companies led by Thales a contract for the implementation of security systems on 61 RFI stations throughout various regions in Italy. The company grouping also includes Leonardo, Ingegneria & Software Indistriale (I&SI) and SE.GI. The contract will enable the implementation of security systems such as Closed Circuit TV, access control/intrusion detection, smoke detection, protection fences, power efficiency, lighting, data transmission and wiring. It has a duration of five years, and includes maintenance work for five additional years.

Key points:

Thales awarded a contract to deploy new integrated communications and supervision systems in 61 RFI stations to improve their security.
Thales is the leader of a grouping of companies made of Leonardo, I&SI and SE.GI.
This is part of a strategic plan for the modernisation of the entire Italian rail network.

This project is part of a long term strategic plan initiated by RFI for the modernisation of the entire Italian rail network. As part of this contract, Thales is in charge of deploying new integrated communication and supervision systems that will improve security in 61 railway stations. These new systems will facilitate the operation of all auxiliary security systems. They will be supported by users friendly interfaces to enable real time situational awareness, and enable operators to respond immediately in case of aggressions, acts of vandalism or violent behaviours and all other incidents requiring the physical intervention of security personnel. The ultimate aim is to optimise operational processes for security personnel, and allow them to respond more proactively in order to enhance passenger safety.

This latest contract follows an earlier one signed in 2008 for 143 stations.

The new systems are designed to seamlessly integrate with legacy systems and ensure operational continuity within the scope of the 5-year warranty and maintenance services. The proposed solutions, include the introduction of new centralised software platforms to broaden the spectrum of activities that can be monitored at reduced maintenance costs. In addition, the integration of new technologies represents an important step by RFI in their efforts to guarantee livable and secure stations to become integral parts of the new cities, improving passengers experience.

This new contract reaffirms Thales’ capabilities in physical site security for critical infrastructure like rail network and stations. We’ve been a long standing partner of RFI and have proven expertise in this field as Thales and its partners have more than 10 years of experience of successful contract delivery for similar projects for RFI.
- Roberto Tazzioli, Country director for Thales in Italy