ferrovia

Ferrovia, commonly translated as railway, is a transport system that uses steel rails and rolling stock to move passengers and goods along fixed routes. A railway network typically comprises tracks, stations, yards, and related infrastructure, together with locomotives, passenger coaches, and freight wagons, as well as the organizations that operate and maintain them.

Origins date to the 19th century with steam locomotives and the rapid expansion of industrial transport. Over time, railway systems standardized track gauge to improve interoperability; standard gauge of 1,435 millimeters became dominant in many regions, while alternative gauges such as metre and broad gauges persist elsewhere. Electrification and the development of high-speed rail have transformed capacity and travel times, while freight corridors and urban rail systems support broader modal diversification.

Infrastructure and operations: the railway relies on aligned tracks, switches, signaling, and power supply. Track can be single or double; electrification may use overhead catenaries or third rails. Signaling ranges from traditional signals to modern digital control systems that enable safe, dense traffic. Operators may be public authorities, private companies, or public-private partnerships, and services include passenger trains (regional, intercity, urban) and freight movements. Maintenance is a critical ongoing activity to ensure reliability and safety.

Impact and modernization: rail transport offers energy efficiency, lower emissions per tonne-kilometer, and the potential to alleviate road congestion. Regions pursue electrification and high-speed programs to improve competitiveness with air travel. Ongoing challenges include funding, infrastructure aging, safety regulation, and integration with other modes through interoperable standards and digitalization. See also standard gauge, electrification, high-speed rail.