Alstom has signed a contract to modernise a 44km section of the Craiova–Caransebeș railway, deploying digital signalling and upgraded electrification in Romania.
Alstom has signed a contract with Romania’s national rail infrastructure manager, CFR Infrastructura, to modernise the 44km Filiași–Igiroasa section of the Craiova–Caransebeș railway corridor.
Delivered as part of Lot 2 of the wider project, the scheme will introduce European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 digital signalling, GSM-R railway communications and upgraded electrification infrastructure to improve operational performance, capacity and interoperability along one of Romania’s most important rail routes.
The project will be delivered by the TrackWorks consortium, comprising Alstom and civil engineering partner Terna Tourist Technical and Maritime Societe Anonyme. The consortium is also responsible for delivering Lot 1 of the Craiova–Caransebeș modernisation programme. Under the agreement, Alstom will provide the signalling, communications and electrification systems, while Terna will carry out the associated civil engineering works during the 60-month implementation period.
Supporting higher speeds and European interoperability
The upgraded railway will allow passenger trains to operate at speeds of up to 160km/h and freight services at up to 120km/h. The project also includes a fully modernised 25kV electrification system, increased line capacity, enhanced operational reliability and infrastructure upgrades to meet European interoperability standards.
Improvements will include support for 22.5-tonne axle loads, longer station tracks, upgraded halts and accessibility enhancements for passengers with reduced mobility. The route forms part of the TEN-T Orient/East-Med Corridor, making it a strategically important link for both domestic and international rail services.
Serban Iorga, Managing Director of Alstom for Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova, said: “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.”
He added that the investment would improve both passenger services and freight operations while supporting Romania’s long-term rail modernisation programme.
Once completed, the project will strengthen cross-border rail connectivity by improving compatibility with other modernised sections of the corridor. The deployment of ERTMS Level 2 will also support Romania’s wider objective of integrating its railway network with European standards, enabling more efficient international operations while improving safety, capacity and service reliability.
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