Lamezia Terme Centrale railway station is situated at via del Mare, at the northeastern edge of the city centre.
History
The station was opened on 15 November 1894, under its original name Sant'Eufemia Biforcazione, together with the rest of the section of the Battipaglia–Reggio di Calabria railway between Pizzo and Gizzeria Lido. On the same day, the first part of the line to Catanzaro Lido, extending about to Marcellinara, was also opened to traffic. Management of the station and line was initially entrusted to the Società per le Strade Ferrate del Mediterraneo. The following year, on 31 July 1895, the final section of the Southern Tyrrhenian railway was completed, between Praja-Ajeta-Tortora and Gizzeria Lido, via Scalea, Cetraro, Paola and Amantea. This new section of line also connected Lamezia Terme with the rest of the Tyrrhenian coast. On 31 July 1899, Catanzaro became accessible by rail from the Tyrrhenian, thus connectingSant'Eufemia Biforcazione with the Jonica railway. Between 1928 and 1935, a program of reclamation of the plain of Sant'Eufemia was initiated. It involved the construction of several houses, and a new and larger station in the locality of Marina di Gizzeria. When the new station opened in 1935, it took the new name Sant'Eufemia Lamezia. In the same year, the entire Southern Tyrrhenian railway was electrified, and a locomotive depot was built on the north side of the station. In the 1960s, the station was extended, following the construction of double track between Scalea and San Pietro a Maida and modernization of all facilities. Finally, in 1969, after the establishment of the new town of Lamezia Terme, the station's name was changed again, this time to its current one. The suffix Centrale was added to distinguish the station from the town's other two stations, Lamezia Terme Nicastro and Lamezia Terme Sambiase, respectively.
Features
The station has seven tracks for passenger service. Each is equipped with a platform fitted with a shelter. The platforms are connected with each other by pedestrian underpasses. The goods yard extends from the station's eastern side.
Passenger and train movements
The station has always played a significant role in passenger traffic for the Catanzaro branch. It has always been a stop for all categories of trains originating and terminating in Catanzaro. Lamezia Terme was the origin and destination of some ES Fast category trains, connecting the city with Roma Termini. These trains were operated by Frecciargento high-speed multiple units, but have been withdrawn.
