PORR: Romania Rail Upgrade, Future of Railway Technology & Trends

PORR Awarded $488M Contract to Modernize Key Romanian Railway Line

Austrian construction giant PORR has been awarded a €428 million ($487.7 million) contract by the Romanian National Railway Company. This significant infrastructure project, announced on June 9, 2025, will overhaul and modernize the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș railway line in Romania. The initiative, part of Romania’s broader effort to align its railway infrastructure with European Union standards, will see PORR redesign and rebuild the “Lot 5” section of the line. This project, scheduled for completion within 60 months, involves converting a substantial 32.6km section of single-track to a double-track system, alongside significant upgrades to the signaling and electrification systems. The primary aim is to improve traffic flow, increase transport capacity, reduce travel times, and enhance safety, thereby bringing the line up to the exacting standards of the European railway network. This article will delve into the project’s specifics, the technological advancements involved, and the wider implications for Romania’s rail infrastructure and the European transport network.

Transforming Track Capacity: From Single to Double

The cornerstone of the PORR project is the conversion of a 32.6km stretch of the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș line from a single-track to a double-track configuration. This fundamental change is critical to increasing the line’s operational capacity and efficiency. By allowing trains to travel in opposite directions simultaneously, the double-tracking will drastically reduce bottlenecks and delays, leading to significant reductions in travel times. This enhancement is crucial for improving Romania’s connectivity and integration within the larger European railway network, particularly along the Orient/East-Med corridor. The project’s scope is expansive, encompassing not only the track layout but also the construction of 18 new bridges and 54 culverts to ensure the line’s structural integrity and accommodate the increased traffic volume. This comprehensive approach showcases PORR’s expertise in large-scale railway projects and its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Tunnel and Station Modernization: Key Infrastructure Upgrades

Alongside track expansion, the project incorporates crucial infrastructure upgrades, including tunnel modernization and station renovations. A particularly noteworthy aspect is the construction of the new twin-track Poarta I tunnel, stretching 1,279 meters. Furthermore, the existing 496-meter Rachitoberg Tunnel will undergo significant renovation. These tunnel upgrades are essential to ensure the safety and resilience of the railway line. Furthermore, six key stations along the route will receive comprehensive modernization and renovation. These stations, including Baile Herculane, Mehadia Noua, Mehadia, Iablanița, Crușovaț, and Domașnea Cornea, will be equipped with modern facilities and passenger amenities, enhancing the overall travel experience and fostering regional connectivity. These combined improvements underscore PORR’s commitment to a holistic approach to railway modernization, addressing both operational efficiency and passenger comfort.

Electrification and Advanced Signaling: The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Integration

The modernization project will implement a fully electrified system across the entire line, incorporating an advanced power supply. This switch to electric traction will significantly reduce the railway’s environmental footprint, contributing to sustainability goals. Equally crucial is the integration of the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2. ERTMS is a unified, European-wide standard designed to improve safety, interoperability, and capacity on the railway network. Level 2 specifically offers continuous train control, transmitting signaling information to the train via radio, which enhances safety and allows for optimized train spacing and speeds. The implementation of ERTMS will enable seamless integration with other European rail networks, boosting the efficiency and competitiveness of the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș line within the broader European transport landscape.

Conclusion

The €428 million contract awarded to PORR for the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș railway line represents a pivotal step in Romania’s ongoing efforts to modernize its railway infrastructure and align it with EU standards. The project’s multi-faceted approach, including track doubling, tunnel and station renovations, and the adoption of advanced electrification and signaling systems (including ERTMS Level 2), underscores PORR’s comprehensive capabilities and its commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art railway line. Upon completion in five years, this modernized line promises to significantly improve traffic flow, increase transport capacity, reduce travel times, and enhance safety along the Orient/East-Med corridor. The project’s success has significant implications for Romania’s economic development, offering improved connectivity both within the country and across Europe. This project showcases the critical role strategic infrastructure investments play in driving economic growth and bolstering a nation’s place in the global economy. Future projects will likely build upon this example, further enhancing Romania’s rail network and contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of the broader European rail system.

Company Summary: PORR AG

PORR AG is a major Austrian construction group with an extensive track record in railway projects across Europe and beyond. PORR’s railway expertise encompasses the entire project lifecycle, including design, construction, maintenance, and renovation. The company has worked on numerous significant railway projects, including high-speed rail lines, freight lines, and urban railway systems. PORR’s core competencies include track construction, electrification, signaling systems, bridge and tunnel construction, and station upgrades. Their commitment to sustainable practices and technological innovation is central to their railway operations, making them a key player in the future of European rail infrastructure. In 2020, PORR previously undertook a project to rehabilitate the Bucharest-Giurgiu railroad line in Southern Romania, which showcases their proven capabilities in the region.