Steam locomotive returns to operate on Sardinia’s Trenino Verde

A steam locomotive from 1931 will once again operate on the narrow-gauge lines of the Trenino Verde in Sardinia, announced the regional company ARST during an event tied to the international travel literature festival "D.H. Lawrence" in Cagliari, according to ANSA.

Return of the steam locomotive to Trenino Verde

The historic locomotive, built in 1931, was presented as the centerpiece of the tourism enhancement project for the narrow-gauge lines crossing Sardinia. The return to service is part of initiatives to strengthen the appeal of the Trenino Verde — a tourism rail network that explores panoramic segments of the island — and aims to attract both national and international visitors, particularly enthusiasts of historical railways.

According to ANSA, the reactivation stood out during the festival program in Cagliari, where ARST representatives detailed the intention to insert the vehicle into the tourist traffic calendar as soon as all safety and certification requirements are met.

Timelines and required authorizations: Ansfisa inspections

Before entering service, the locomotive will have to undergo the collaudi by Ansfisa (Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza delle Ferrovie). These technical and safety tests are mandatory for railway vehicles returning to operation, especially when dealing with historic equipment subject to contemporary standards.

ARST indicated that the vehicle could be operational by around the mid-2027, but stressed that timelines are not yet certain, as they depend on the completion of inspections and any technical adaptations requested by Ansfisa. In a statement cited by ANSA, the company urged caution regarding schedules, reminding that safety and technical compliance are prerequisites for the return.

Projects and interventions in Mandas

The reactivation plan for the Trenino Verde is accompanied by local works and investments. On October 3, the project for the new Mandas Intermodal Center will be presented, according to information released by ARST and mayor Umberto Oppus, cited by ANSA.

The intermodal center aims to integrate different modes of transport — rail, road, and services for tourists — and facilitate access to the Trenino Verde routes. The announced funding totals €1.5 million, contributed by the Region and by the Comune, and the project will be carried out in collaboration with ARST. A detailed schedule of works and all planned interventions have not yet been disclosed and are expected to be announced during the October event.

Reopening of Locanda Lawrence

As part of the revival of the Mandas railway area, the Comune announced it will reopen in December the historic Locanda Lawrence, located near the station. The initiative aims to restore and put back into use a hospitality space tied to the local literary and railway heritage, aligning with the D.H. Lawrence Festival and the anticipated tourist flow with the steam’s return.

ARST granted the railway facilities to the municipality to enable reopening later this year, as reported by ANSA. The concession includes spaces that will be adapted for public administration and visitor reception activities, strengthening the territory’s tourism offering.

Tourism and cultural impact

The steam locomotive’s operation is viewed by local authorities as a cultural and tourist asset that could reinforce Sardinia’s image as a destination for railway and slow travel tourism. The steam return could also boost literary, culinary, and nature itineraries — sectors that ARST intends to integrate through the intermodal center and the Locanda reopening.

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Conclusion

The reactivation of the 1931 steam locomotive on the Trenino Verde promises to restore a historic symbol to Sardinia’s tourist lines, but will depend on completing Ansfisa inspections and local infrastructure investments. ARST expects the vehicle to be in service by mid-2027, while Mandas prepares to host the new intermodal center and reopen Locanda Lawrence later in 2026.

Source: ANSA