Brescia Mobilità has signed a major infrastructure contract worth €326 million with a consortium led by Manelli Impresa SpA, alongside Hitachi Rail and Alstom, for the construction of the city’s new T2 tramway line. The route will link Pendolina in the northwest with Fiera in the southwest, spanning 11.3 kilometers and offering 21 stops across key urban areas.
This project is a central part of the city’s broader strategy to upgrade public transport, ease road congestion, and support environmentally friendly commuting options. The T2 line will operate mostly on dedicated lanes—covering 72% of the route—ensuring efficient and uninterrupted service.
A primary depot will be located at Fiera, with a secondary facility in Pendolina. The infrastructure includes the latest technology designed to ensure high energy efficiency and minimal environmental footprint. Most of the line (about 8.2 km) will be powered via overhead lines, while 3.1 km will operate using onboard battery systems to preserve the city’s historic and scenic areas.
Manelli Impresa SpA will be responsible for all civil engineering and construction aspects of Brescia’s new T2 tramway line. This includes the finalization of the design and ensuring safety measures are fully coordinated during the planning phase. As the leading company in the consortium, Manelli will oversee the physical development of the infrastructure, with its portion of the contract valued at approximately €161 million.
Hitachi Rail will supply 18 advanced trams for the new line, as well as integrate both trackside and on-board signaling and communications systems. The vehicles will be produced at the company’s facility in Reggio Calabria. Hitachi’s role in the project totals around €77 million, with a strong focus on bringing cutting-edge transportation technology to the network.
Alstom’s responsibilities will cover the design and installation of core electrical systems essential to the tramway’s operation. This includes electric traction, power distribution, overhead contact lines, and ground-based signaling. In addition, Alstom will implement systems for street lighting and traffic light control along the route. The company’s contribution to the project is valued at about €88 million.
The trams delivered by Hitachi Rail are designed under the SCAI framework, ensuring safety, comfort, environmental responsibility, and innovation. Each vehicle will feature anti-collision systems through ADAS, noise and vibration control, and a spacious, ergonomic layout with 52 seats in a 216-passenger configuration. Constructed with 98% recyclable materials, the trams will include adaptive climate control, battery-powered sections to protect sensitive urban landscapes, and energy-saving systems such as braking energy recovery and Eco-Drive algorithms—reducing overall energy use by up to 20%.
The new tramway line will enhance connections across some of Brescia’s most densely populated neighborhoods and improve access to the central FS Station. The line is expected to contribute to reducing private car use and enhancing the livability of both historic and evolving areas of the city.
Sergio Onofrio Manelli, CEO of Manelli Impresa SpA emphasized the urban benefits of the project, stating, “This tramway will significantly improve public access, support urban redevelopment, and promote the sustainable transformation of mobility across Brescia.”
Luca D’Aquila, COO of Hitachi Rail Group and CEO of Hitachi Rail Italy, added, “These new vehicles set a new benchmark for quality and technology in the tramway sector, advancing our commitment to low-impact transport solutions and helping cities move toward cleaner, smarter mobility.”
Michele Viale, Managing Director of Alstom Italy, also remarked, “We are proud to bring our experience in comprehensive transit systems to Brescia, contributing to the city’s shift toward a more integrated and sustainable transport network.”
Manelli Impresa S.p.A. is an Italian construction and engineering firm specializing in public infrastructure, civil works, and general contracting. Based in Italy, the company has been active in delivering large-scale public works, including transport infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and energy-efficient buildings. Manelli is known for its experience in managing complex construction projects under strict regulatory and quality standards, particularly in sectors like railway construction, metro systems, and hospital infrastructure. The company emphasizes sustainability, technological integration, and safety in its project execution.
Hitachi Rail is a global transport solutions provider and a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Japan. It offers a full range of rail products and services including rolling stock, signaling, turnkey systems, and maintenance services. The company operates in multiple regions including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and has been involved in high-profile rail projects such as the UK’s High-Speed 2 (HS2), Italy’s ETR1000 trains, and urban transit systems in several major cities. Hitachi Rail emphasizes digital innovation, reliability, and low-emission transport technologies as part of its contribution to smarter urban mobility and sustainable infrastructure.
Alstom is a French multinational company that designs and manufactures mobility solutions, including high-speed trains, metros, trams, and signaling systems. Headquartered in Saint-Ouen, France, the company plays a key role in the global rail transport industry and is known for its involvement in major rail infrastructure projects around the world. Alstom gained significant scale and expanded its product portfolio after acquiring Bombardier Transportation in 2021. With a focus on sustainable and smart mobility, Alstom actively develops energy-efficient rail technologies and has been involved in pioneering hydrogen-powered train solutions in Europe.
