Romania-Germany Rail: ARF’s Coradia Stream EMU Inspection & Delivery

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Introduction

From September 30 to October 2, 2025, a delegation from the Romanian Railway Reform Authority (ARF), led by Mihai Barbu, visited Alstom’s Bautzen rolling stock factory in Germany to assess the progress of the Coradia Stream interregional EMUs.

Main Content

Background of the Visit

The visit was prompted by Alstom’s invitation and aligned with a March 2022 contract for 20 interregional EMUs, with an option for 17 more Coradia Stream EMUs exercised in September 2022.

Factory Inspection and Testing

The primary goal was to inspect the production capabilities for the interregional Coradia Stream EMUs (RE-IR-1) at the factory. The ARF delegation was accompanied by an Egis representative, the contract supervisor. This visit is a key step in the delivery and quality assurance of the new interregional trains, supporting the ongoing modernization of the national rail system.

Factory Acceptance Tests and Delivery Schedule

Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) are a key step before the Coradia Stream electric units are delivered to ARF and put into passenger service. FAT are distinct from certification and authorization procedures. Following the FAT and associated documentation, Alstom will dispatch the TS07 electric trainset to Romania for ARF and CFR Călători to operate.

Project Details and Funding

This project is being carried out in phases, with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure as the Managing Authority. The first stage was financed by the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (POIM) 2014–2020, and the second is co-financed through the Transport Programme (PT) 2021–2027. The total project value is RON 1.7 billion (EUR 324.5 million), with RON 213.5 million (EUR 40.5 million) from the EU through ERDF funds.

Conclusion

The acquisition of interregional Coradia Stream EMUs aims to connect Bucharest with major urban centers. Currently, 15 Coradia Stream trains are under production at Alstom’s Bautzen factory. Between October and December 2025, three trains will be delivered each month, increasing to four trains per month from January 2026.

Company Summary

Alstom: A supplier that was invited to visit the Bautzen rolling stock factory in Germany to see the status of the construction of the interregional Coradia Stream EMUs.

ARF: The Romanian Railway Reform Authority. Led by Mihai Barbu, the President of ARF, undertook a technical visit to Alstom’s Bautzen rolling stock factory in Germany.

CFR Călători: The national passenger rail operator. The Coradia Stream interregional electric trainsets will begin operating on the routes after being delivered to CFR Călători.

Egis: The contract supervisor.

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