Alstom Secures €410M Romania Craiova–Filiași ERTMS Contract
Alstom secured a €410 million contract from CFR SA to modernise Romania’s Craiova–Filiași line with ERTMS Level 2 signalling.
⚡ In Brief: Romania’s national railway company, CFR SA, has awarded a €410 million contract to the TrackWorks consortium, led by Alstom, to modernise the Craiova–Filiași line with ERTMS Level 2 signalling as part of the Orient/East-Mediterranean Corridor.
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – The state-owned railway infrastructure manager, CFR SA, has formally signed a contract valued at approximately €410 million (RON 2.04 billion) with the TrackWorks consortium for the modernisation of the Craiova–Filiași railway line. The consortium, comprising Alstom Transport and Terna S.A., will handle the design and execution of the upgrades. The project’s conclusion follows the final resolution of all legal appeals, clearing the way for work to commence.
What Does This Contract Cover?
The contract encompasses the full rehabilitation of the 38-kilometre Craiova–Filiași section, which is the first lot of the broader Craiova–Drobeta-Turnu Severin–Caransebeș corridor upgrade. Works include line electrification at 25 kV, installation of ERTMS Level 2 signalling and electronic interlocking systems, and upgrades to support an axle load of 22.5 tonnes and train lengths of up to 740 metres. The project, which has a total duration of 177 months including a 120-month warranty period, aims to increase passenger train speeds to 160 km/h and freight train speeds to 120 km/h. The contract value breakdown between Alstom and Terna S.A. was not disclosed.
Key Contract Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract Name | Modernisation of Craiova–Filiași Railway Line (Lot 1) |
| Total Value | RON 2,037,420,531.88 (~€410 million), excluding VAT |
| Parties Involved | Client: CFR SA; Contractor: TrackWorks consortium (Alstom Transport, Terna S.A.) |
| Timeline / Completion | 177 months total (12 design, 42 construction, 120 warranty) |
| Country / Corridor | Romania / Orient/East-Mediterranean Corridor |
How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?
The contract’s value equates to approximately €10.8 million per kilometre, a figure that provides a benchmark for other major upgrades on the Romanian network. For comparison, another significant project on the same core network, Lot 2 of the Arad-Timișoara-Caransebeș modernisation (Timișoara Est–Ronaț Triaj), was awarded in 2022 for approximately €290 million to cover just 13.86 kilometres. This resulted in a substantially higher cost of nearly €21 million per kilometre, likely reflecting greater complexity, a higher number of engineering structures, or more extensive station works within that specific section. (Source: CFR SA, 2022). Such cost variations are typical in large-scale infrastructure projects where terrain and existing infrastructure conditions differ significantly between sections.
Editor’s Analysis
This contract award is a critical step in Romania’s effort to align its national network with the EU’s TEN-T corridor standards, focusing on interoperability through ERTMS deployment. The win for Alstom reinforces its strong position in the European signalling market, competing directly with firms like Siemens Mobility, which recently secured its first ETCS contract in Mexico. This trend highlights a global push towards standardised, advanced signalling to enhance safety and capacity on key economic corridors. (Source: Developing Telecoms, 2024). The 10-year warranty period included in the contract is becoming a standard feature, shifting long-term performance risk onto the supplier.
FAQ
Q: What is ERTMS Level 2?
A: ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) Level 2 is an advanced signalling system that uses GSM-R radio communication for continuous train control. It provides real-time train position data to a central control centre, enhancing safety and allowing for higher speeds and network capacity.
Q: How long will the actual construction work take?
A: The contract specifies a 42-month period for the physical construction and rehabilitation works. This follows a 12-month design phase and precedes a 120-month (10-year) warranty and maintenance period.
Q: What is the significance of the Orient/East-Mediterranean Corridor?
A: It is one of the nine core network corridors of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). It connects Central Europe with the maritime ports of the North, Baltic, Black and Mediterranean seas, making it a vital route for international freight and passenger traffic.