Alstom has launched a major project to modernize the Caransebeș-Lugoj railway line in Romania. This ambitious project, in line with Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), will transform the 39.56-kilometer railway line with state-of-the-art European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 signalling and extensive electrification.
The contract, a collaboration between the Asocierea RailWorks consortium (comprising Alstom and Romanian construction companies Arcada Company and Euroconstruct Trading '98) and CFR SA, the Romanian state railway infrastructure operator, marks a major step forward in improving the railway's capacity, energy efficiency and service reliability. With an implementation period of 42 months, the project includes design and execution phases and sets a new standard in railway infrastructure modernization.
“This new contract consolidates Alstom's leading position on the Romanian railway market, for both signalling and electrification. Over the past years, Bucharest has become a strategic centre for Alstom’s signalling proficiency, hosting a team of over 200 highly qualified engineers, whose expertise supports both our local and our international projects,” says Gabriel Stanciu, Alstom Managing Director for Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova.
The modernization plan includes doubling the length of the line, upgrading the infrastructure and superstructure, and improving the signalling and telecommunications systems. Alstom is responsible for the implementation of ERTMS Level 2, digital interlocking, passenger information systems, and electrification works, including power supply and overhead contact lines. This upgrade is expected to allow speeds of up to 160 km/h for passenger trains and 120 km/h for freight trains, significantly increasing the line's efficiency and capacity.
