Alstom Modernizes Bucharest-Giurgiu Rail Line: ERTMS Level 2 Upgrade

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Introduction

Alstom has been awarded a contract to modernize the Bucharest-Giurgiu railway line in Romania, focusing on ERTMS Level 2 signalling and electrification. The project, valued at approximately €450 million ($526.5 million), involves modernizing 93.45km of railway line connecting Bucharest North, Jilava, Giurgiu North, and the Giurgiu border.

Project Overview

The project aims to upgrade the 93.45km railway line connecting Bucharest North, Jilava, Giurgiu North, and the Giurgiu border. The enhancements are designed to increase capacity, improve energy efficiency, and enhance service reliability. The Bucharest-Giurgiu railway line is a key link to the Rhine-Danube pan-European Corridor, connecting Romania with Southeast European countries including Bulgaria, Greece, and Türkiye via the Friendship Bridge.

Scope of Work

The modernization project includes electrification, infrastructure and superstructure enhancements, signalling and telecommunication systems upgrades, and civil works. These improvements will enable a maximum operational speed of 160km/h. Alstom’s responsibilities encompass the deployment of ERTMS Level 2, the implementation of a digital train control solution, and electrification works involving power supply and overhead contact line installations.

Contract Details

The contract was formalized between the Asocierea RailWorks consortium, which includes Alstom and Arcada, and CFR, the state-owned rail infrastructure operator in Romania. The project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months for both design and execution phases. Civil works will be managed by the Romanian company Arcada.

Company Statement

Gabriel Stanciu, managing director of Alstom Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova, stated that the new contract consolidates Alstom’s leading position in the Romanian railway market for both signalling and electrification, and will help revitalize a historical railway milestone. He noted that the project represents a significant achievement for their team of over 230 engineers.

Conclusion

Alstom has been contracted to modernize the Bucharest-Giurgiu railway line, focusing on ERTMS Level 2 and electrification. The €450 million project, with Alstom contributing around 25%, involves 93.45km of track and is expected to be completed in 36 months. The project aims to enhance capacity, energy efficiency, and service reliability on the line, which is a key link in the Rhine-Danube Corridor.

Company Summary

Alstom: A company involved in the railway market.

Arcada: A Romanian company involved in civil works.

CFR: The state-owned rail infrastructure operator in Romania.

Technology

ERTMS Level 2: A signalling system to be deployed in the project.

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