Romania Rail Modernization: ARF’s €1.6B Investment Strategy

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Introduction

At the Railway Days 2025 conference in Bucharest, Mihai Barbu, president of the Autoritatea pentru Reformă Feroviară (ARF), detailed the progress of Romania’s rail modernization program, which involves investments exceeding EUR 1.6 billion. The program focuses on enhancing passenger services, sustainability, and fleet efficiency.

Main Content

Project Funding and Scope

The Autoritatea pentru Reformă Feroviară (ARF), under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, is managing projects with over EUR 1.6 billion in funding. This funding comes from the Transport Programme 2021–2027 (PT), the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and the Modernisation Fund (FM).

Rolling Stock Acquisitions

ARF has contracted PESA Bydgoszcz for 62 regional electric multiple units (EMUs) and Alstom for 37 long-distance EMUs, both including 15-year maintenance agreements. The first PESA regional units are scheduled to enter service in January 2026, with monthly deliveries from Alstom’s Bautzen plant starting later that year. Furthermore, a separate contract for 29 interregional EMUs was signed under the PNRR framework. These acquisitions total more than EUR 1.1 billion.

Hydrogen-Powered Trains

ARF is introducing 12 hydrogen-powered multiple units, a first for Romania, under a contract valued at up to RON 2.46 billion. Siemens Mobility will supply these trains, intended for non-electrified routes, aligning with EU decarbonisation targets.

Locomotive Procurement

Alstom Transport is supplying 39 new electric locomotives through two major contracts. These locomotives are designed to haul up to 16 passenger coaches at speeds of 160 km/h. Testing of the first locomotive is underway, with the initial unit expected to enter service in March 2026.

Other Infrastructure Projects

Additional projects in ARF’s portfolio include national ticketing integration, public service contract audits, and cadenced train timetables around major cities, aimed at improving service predictability for commuters.

Conclusion

The ARF is implementing a comprehensive modernization program to upgrade Romania’s passenger rail system. This involves significant investments in rolling stock and infrastructure improvements, with the aim of providing cleaner, safer, and more reliable train services that meet European standards.

Company Summary

Autoritatea pentru Reformă Feroviară (ARF): The Railway Reform Authority, operating under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, is responsible for implementing passenger rail policy in Romania.

PESA Bydgoszcz: A company that is under contract with ARF to deliver 62 regional electric multiple units (EMUs).

Alstom: A company supplying 37 long-distance EMUs and 39 electric locomotives to ARF.

Siemens Mobility: A company that will supply 12 hydrogen-powered multiple units to ARF.

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