The Plenary Session of the UIC Station Managers Global Group (SMGG) took place in Rome on 1 and 2 October, with support from Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). Over two days, participants discussed the current and future challenges facing the sector and had an opportunity to visit the Roma Termini railway station.

On the first day, participants were welcomed by Gianpiero Strisciuglio, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of RFI. Various key elements of strategy were presented, including location intelligence for the development of Italian stations, and priorities when it comes to the operational management of stations.

Another highlight was provided by the preparations for the Giubileo 2025, with 35 million tourists and pilgrims expected. RFI presented the projects that it would be carrying out in the major stations in Rome and the main initiatives planned to manage the event.

On the second day, the Plenary Session covered strategic priorities for UIC and SMGG, such as international cooperation and crowd management in railway stations. The UIC Security Unit, represented by Bruno de Rosa, presented the IMPRESS EU project, aimed at improving station security through awareness and training. Key surveys and ongoing activities were also discussed among plenary members.

The two-day event concluded with a technical visit to Roma Termini, Italy’s busiest railway station and one of the busiest in Europe, with 400,000 visitors and around 1000 trains per day. Participants toured the main hall, platforms, retail units, food court and Mercato Centrale, a traditional market with stalls offering Italian food.