Softronic Craiova has delivered the 15th modernised electric locomotive to CFR Călători under Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The locomotive, numbered 481-001 and named “Nicolae Iorga,” entered commercial service on the Bucharest–Constanța corridor following its handover on 8 April 2026.
Locomotive 481-001 underwent dynamic and functional testing on the Hungarian railway network prior to delivery, including configuration and validation of the ETCS onboard system. These tests confirmed interoperability with European rail corridors and compliance with cross-border operational requirements.
The modernisation package includes upgraded traction equipment to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and enhance reliability. Integration of ETCS enables operation on TEN-T corridors and supports Romania’s objectives for interoperable and sustainable passenger rail transport.
The locomotive is named after Romanian historian and academic Nicolae Iorga, continuing CFR Călători’s tradition of assigning culturally significant names to its fleet.
The PNRR-funded programme represents a key component of Romania’s rolling stock renewal strategy, aimed at modernising passenger services and aligning the national fleet with European technical standards. Softronic is responsible for the refurbishment works, reinforcing its role in the domestic rail manufacturing and maintenance sector.
