Route studies were carried out by engineer Giordano, who proposed a route from Eboli through Cilento and the Vallo della Lucania to Sapri and Maratea, and engineer Gargiulo, who preferred a shorter inland route through the Vallo di Diano and the valley of the Noce ending at Castrocucco (south of Maratea). The choice was not easy and there were heated clashes in Parliament between the deputies representing Basilicata and Campania until the passing of the Baccarini Law in 1879. Given the recognised importance of the line, both routes were included in table "A" of the legislation, which were to be built at the full cost of the state.
