Rete Mediterranea (RM) defines that part of the Italian railway network that, under the law of 27 April 1885 no.
The railway networks built before 1885 were largely in concession to private individuals and were in more or less serious economic difficulties.
The Società per le Strade Ferrate del Mediterraneo paid the State 135 million lire and obtained, in addition to the railway lines, also the rolling stock and the debts of the old networks redeemed.
According to the Statistical Yearbook of 1898, published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce, the railways of the Mediterranean Network reached, at the end of 1896, 5,765 km.
In July 1897, the Mediterranean Network owned 1314 steam locomotives, 3754 coaches, 952 baggage cars and 23074 goods wagons.