(ANSA) - Rome, January 30 - Funding of almost one billion euros was pledged on Friday by the European Investment Bank to help finance improvements to the Italian railway system's conventional network.
The funding of an estimated 950 million euros is aimed at improvements to regional and local routes, particularly in the south, according to a statement from the economy ministry.
Pier Carlo Padoan, Italy's economy minister, said that the investments are part of broader plan to "improve infrastructure and services to citizens" while stimulating economic growth and job creation.
EIB pledges 1-bn euros for Italian railways
Funding aimed at conventional network, particularly in south