Macomer
The Macomer-Nuoro Railway: a history of connections
The Macomer-Nuoro railway is a narrow-gauge railway line in Sardinia, managed by ARST. Its construction dates back to the end of the 19th century and was due to the need to provide a railway connection to Nuoro, which had been excluded from the project of the regular gauge network of the Royal Company of Sardinian Railways. The construction of the railway was entrusted to the Secondary Railways of Sardinia (SFSS). The first section of the line to be inaugurated was the one between Macomer and Bosa, and on December 26, 1888, the first trains traveled on the route. Shortly thereafter, the line connecting Macomer to Orotelli and finally to Nuoro was completed, with a total length of 62.438 km.
Requests and petitions for further improvements
There were several requests from local populations and authorities for further improvements to the railway. Among the main requests was the unsuccessful demand for the conversion of the line to standard gauge. Additionally, on several occasions, the connection with the Cagliari-Isili Railway was hoped for, extending it from Sorgono to the Oniferi station.
Details of the railway
The Macomer-Nuoro railway is managed by ARST and is a single-track, non-electrified narrow-gauge line with a track gauge of 950 mm. The line does not end at the SFSS station in Macomer, but 200 meters further ahead, at the nearby Macomer Station, where there is a specific track equipped for narrow-gauge trains connected by a short link and switches to the Secondary station.
Connections with the Sardinian Backbone
In 1893, the SFSS inaugurated a line that connected to the standard gauge network at the Ozieri Chilivani station, creating a second connection for Nuoro with the Sardinian Backbone, strengthening the island's rail traffic.
The Macomer-Nuoro today
Today, the Macomer-Nuoro represents the only railway connection of the ARST in the Macomer railway compartment. Its importance has been maintained over time, and it is still an essential means of transportation for the inhabitants of Sardinia, and for tourists who want to visit the island. The railway line allows discovering the inland areas of Sardinia and admiring the splendid scenery of the island, all on board historic trains that evoke the atmosphere of the past.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Macomer-Nuoro railway is an essential railway line in Sardinia, which has remained over time as a crucial means of transportation for both the island's inhabitants and tourists. Its construction dates back to the end of the 19th century when the need to provide a railway connection to Nuoro led to its creation. There were several requests for further improvements from local populations and authorities over the years, but despite this, the Macomer-Nuoro is still today a vital railway line for Sardinia.
