Hitachi Rail Provides Update on Romanian Railway Modernisation Project

Hitachi Rail has announced that the first phase of modernisation of the Romanian Ghioroc–Barzava railway line is nearing completion.

The project, which has been carried out in collaboration with Webuild, FCC and Salcef, supports the country’s national railway operator, CFR, which runs both passenger and freight services along the route, and will enable speeds of up to 140 km/h, reducing journey times by up to 25%.

First initiated in 2017, the project includes the implementation of a set of seven new, customised L90 electronic interlockings (ESTW) along a 79km stretch of track, with the first phase of modernisation having seen the installation & activation of five interlockings in Ghioroc, Milova, Radna, Păuliș, and Bârzava Noua.

Future phases will see both the implementation of ETCS Level 2 technology and completion of the remaining interlockings along the track.

Elsewhere, Hitachi Rail is deploying LED signals, L700H point machines, track circuits, advanced traffic management system integration, new power supply systems, CCTV, PIS-PAS, IP/MPLS, GSM-R, telecommunications systems, balises, and modernised level crossings.

Mihai Bizau, Bids and Projects Director, Hitachi Rail in Romania, says:

The project marks a major step forward in growing rail transport efficiency and safety, thanks to cutting-edge electronic centralization solutions developed by our R&D team. This success is a proof of the exceptional teamwork of Hitachi teams, and I sincerely thank everyone for their dedication and efforts.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.