Alstom to modernise a new section of a major EU railway corridor in Romania, further boosting speed, capacity, and interoperability
Alstom to modernise a new section of a major EU railway corridor in Romania, further boosting speed, capacity, and interoperability
From left to right: Ion Simu-Alexandru, Chief Executive of the National Railway Company CFR SA, and Serban Iorga, Alstom’s Managing Director for Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova (Copyright: Alstom 2026)
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Alstom to deliver digital signalling and modernised electrification on the Craiova–Caransebeș Lot 2 railway section, covering 44 km
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The works will support improved speeds of up to 160 km/h for passenger trains and 120 km/h for freight, improving service quality and efficiency
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The project supports Romania’s integration into European rail system by advancing deployment of ERTMS Level 2 across the country’s core railway network
20 July 2026 – Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed the contract to modernise the Craiova–Caransebeș Lot 2 railway section in Romania, between Filiasi and Igiroasa, covering 44 kilometres. The project, awarded by CFR Infrastructura, Romania’s national rail infrastructure operator, includes the deployment of advanced digital signalling and upgraded electrification systems to enhance speed, capacity, and interoperability along one of the country’s most important railway corridors.
"By continuing the modernisation of the Craiova–Caransebeș corridor, Romania is reinforcing its commitment to safer, faster, and more efficient rail transport aligned with European standards."
The project is delivered by the TrackWorks consortium, bringing together Alstom and civil works partner Terna Tourist Technical and Maritime Societe Anonyme – a partnership which is also responsible for delivery of Lot 1 works on this rail section. Alstom will provide ERTMS Level 2 digital signalling, GSM‑R communications, and modernised electrification across the entire section, while Terna will manage the civil works. The contract foresees a 60‑month implementation period.
“By continuing the modernisation of the Craiova–Caransebeș corridor, Romania is reinforcing its commitment to safer, faster, and more efficient rail transport aligned with European standards. We are proud to bring once again our global expertise in signalling and electrification to a major national investment that will significantly improve passenger experience and freight operations. It is our commitment, as industry’s leader, to contribute to Romania’s persistent rail modernisation efforts,” said Serban Iorga, Alstom Managing Director for Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova.
This modernization will support a significant performance upgrade for the Craiova–Caransebeș corridor, part of the TEN‑T Orient/East‑Med route. Once completed, the Lot 2 section will allow:
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Passenger train speeds of up to 160 km/h
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Freight train speeds of up to 120 km/h
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Fully modernised 25 kV electrification infrastructure
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Increased transit capacity and improved operational reliability
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Enhanced compliance with European interoperability standards, including axle load of 22.5 t, extended station track lengths and upgraded halts, and accessibility improvements for passengers with reduced mobility.
The upgrade will enable smoother, more reliable cross‑border rail flows and better integration with future modernised sections of the corridor.
Alstom’s long-standing presence in Romania
Alstom has been active in Romania for more than 30 years and is a market leader in railway signalling and electrification, as well as a major supplier of metro and mainline rolling stock. The company is delivering projects on major European corridors, as well as the modernisation of Romania’s oldest railway line, Bucharest–Giurgiu.
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