New ESTW/IXL L90 RO interlocking systems have gone live at Ciulnița and Fetești stations, replacing decades-old technology on a key Pan-European rail corridor.
Hitachi Rail has commissioned new signalling systems at Ciulnița and Fetești railway stations in Romania, marking two milestones in the modernisation of the country’s rail network for national infrastructure administrator CFR SA.
The two stations lie on the European TEN-T Corridor 22, part of Pan-European Corridor IV, along the route linking Nürnberg, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Curtici, Simeria, Brașov, Bucharest and Constanța, giving them a strategic role in connecting Central and Eastern Europe.
New interlocking technology deployed
The modernisation works included rehabilitation of railway infrastructure and superstructure, civil engineering activities, and upgrades to the power supply and overhead contact line systems, alongside new telecommunications solutions covering video surveillance, passenger information and public announcement systems.
A key milestone came in December 2025 at Ciulnița, followed by Fetești in June 2026, with the commissioning of the new-generation ESTW/IXL L90 RO electronic interlocking system. Built on the Technology and Application System platform and the IPR7.0 software version, it is the first deployment of this technology on Romania’s railway network.
The new platform introduces enhanced connectivity through components such as the Data Logger, which supports maintenance and diagnostics, and the Cyber Security Observer, designed to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities. It also enables faster system deployment and lower energy consumption, and is expected to deliver more accurate and timely travel information for passengers.
The commissioning marks the transition from the SELMIS platform, which has served Romania’s national rail network for more than 20 years, to a modern digital system designed to support future rail transport needs. The project was delivered in accordance with European CENELEC standards, meeting requirements for railway infrastructure safety, availability and reliability.
Claudiu Seicean, CEO of Hitachi Rail in Romania, said: “At Hitachi Rail, we believe the future of rail transport relies on smart technologies and strong partnerships. We are proud to support the digital transformation of Romania’s railway infrastructure. This project reaffirms our commitment to a high-performing, digital, and interoperable railway system aligned with European standards.”
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