The TAV – a 270-kilometre-long line connecting Turin to Lyon – has caused division within Italy’s populist government.
While the nation’s right-wing League backs the project, its coalition partner, the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) opposes it, arguing it’s a huge waste of money which could be better used to reinforce dilapidated infrastructure in the country.
Meanwhile, the League claims the line will create jobs and reduce the pollution of road haulage, adding that it would cost a great deal of money to pull out when the project is already underway.
During a recent visit to Chiomonte in Turin, where workers have been digging a tunnel for the project, Salvini noted that 25 kilometres of tunnel have already been cleared.
“Turning back will cost us as much as going ahead,” he said.
But M5S spokesperson in parliament, Francesco Silvestri, said the train tunnel work had hardly been started.
“Salvini went to see the TAV construction site,” Silvestri said.
“But is it only a five-metre hole that was necessary to study if the project is viable.”
In an attempt to settle the debate, Italy’s Transport Minister and M5S member Danilo Toninelli set up a commission to carry out the cost-benefit analysis.
The report will recommend against the completion of the project, Italia media outlets La Repubblica, Il Corriere della Sera, Il Sole 24Ore and Il Messaggero reported, quoting ministry sources.
Meanwhile, lawyers are examining the legal implications should Italy decide to withdraw from the project.
Italy aims to reach a decision by the end of May, according to Toninelli.
The cost of the TAV is to be shared between Italy, France and the European Union.
