Activists opposed to a major
railway project blocked a high-speed TGV train at a northern
Italian train station Tuesday, causing delays of more than one
hour on the line between Milan and Turin, media reported.
The activists shut down traffic at the Vercelli train
station by placing an iron chain in front of the Paris-Venice
TGV train and reportedly defacing the first passenger carriage
with anti-TAV graffiti.
The blockade caused approximately one hour of delays for 11
trains in the Milan-Turin stretch.
Police intervened and agents from Italy's General
Investigations and Special Operations Division (DIGOS) were
brought in to investigate.
A proposed high-speed rail link, which will connect Turin
to Lyon, has triggered massive protests by locals and other
activists who denounce its high cost and feared damage to the
environment.
France and Italy argue the line will save money and help
the environment in the long run by cutting down on automobile
traffic.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
