Romania HSR: Bucharest-Constanta & EU Corridor Railway Plan

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Introduction

During Railway Days 2025, held in Bucharest on October 14–15, Mihai Frumosu, Senior Transport Expert at the European Investment Bank (EIB), stated that high-speed rail (HSR) development in Romania is feasible, with potential lines supporting speeds of 200–250 km/h.

Feasibility and Economic Impact

Mihai Frumosu highlighted the potential of HSR to shift passenger traffic from air and road to rail, thereby significantly boosting Romania’s economy. The study, presented at the event organized by Club Feroviar, examined the construction of lines capable of supporting speeds between 200 and 250 km/h, concluding that such development is viable within the country.

Project Scope and European Masterplan

The study is based on the European Masterplan for high-speed rail development, which includes the creation of an HSR corridor between Constanța – Bucharest – the Hungarian border. The analysis considered technical, financial, and economic perspectives.

Modernization and Speed Enhancement

The report explored options for achieving speeds of 250–300 km/h on already modernised lines without constructing entirely new ones. Upgraded railway sections along European corridors in Romania could be improved to reach 200 km/h through upgrades to signalling systems, tracks, and the implementation of ERTMS. Modernized sections currently allow speeds of up to 160 km/h, with the reconstruction and modernization of engineering structures already enabling speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Cost Analysis and Route Options

Four options were pre-selected for the Constanța – Bucharest – Hungarian border corridor. Case studies showed a cost range of EUR 8.9 million/km to EUR 25.5 million/km (based on 2018 prices), varying based on line speed, terrain, and the extent of complex structures. For the Bucharest – Constanța route (Option 3), the study recommended modernizing the line to allow speeds of up to 200 km/h between Bucharest and Fetești (147 km), and building a new line between Fetești and Constanța, enabling speeds of up to 250 km/h. The full route is 217.2 km, with 140 km requiring modernization and 68 km representing newly built track. The estimated cost is EUR 2.6 billion (at 2024 prices), reducing journey time to 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The recommended corridor would run from Constanța, via Bucharest, Braşov, Sighişoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Oradea, towards the Hungarian border. The total length of this corridor is 782 km, designed for mixed speeds of up to 200 km/h and up to 250 km/h, with an estimated CAPEX of EUR 15 billion.

Conclusion

The study, presented at Railway Days 2025, concluded that HSR development in Romania is feasible, focusing on lines supporting speeds of 200–250 km/h. The analysis included cost assessments, route options, and the potential for enhancing existing infrastructure to achieve higher speeds. The primary focus of the study was the Constanța – Bucharest – Hungarian border corridor.

Company Summary

European Investment Bank (EIB): The EIB is a financial institution that supports projects in the European Union and beyond. Mihai Frumosu, a Senior Transport Expert at the EIB, presented the findings at the Railway Days 2025.

Club Feroviar: Club Feroviar organized Railway Days 2025, which took place in Bucharest.

CFR SA: Mihai Frumosu commended CFR SA for the reconstruction and modernization of engineering structures.

Technology

ERTMS: The study mentions the implementation of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) as part of the upgrades to signaling systems.

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