Romania’s Craiova-Caransebeș Rail Modernization: Porr Construct, CFR SA & ERTMS Level 2

CFR SA contracts Porr Construct for a RON 2 billion modernization of the Craiova-Caransebeș railway line. Five-year project upgrades railway infrastructure.

Romania’s Craiova-Caransebeș Rail Modernization: Porr Construct, CFR SA & ERTMS Level 2
September 7, 2025 9:48 am
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Introduction

CFR SA has contracted Porr Construct for the modernization of Lot 5: Cap X Băile Herculane – Cap X PO Nou Poarta, a segment of the Craiova – Caransebeș line, with a budget of RON 2 billion (EUR 408 million). This project, which will modernize the railway line through Drobeta Turnu Severin, is scheduled to last five years, including a one-year design phase and four years of construction.

Contract Details

Porr Construct will undertake the modernization of Lot 5: Cap X Băile Herculane – Cap X PO Nou Poarta on the Craiova – Caransebeș line. The contract, valued at RON 2 billion (EUR 408 million), encompasses a five-year period. This includes one year dedicated to the design phase and four years for construction activities. The railway section passes through Drobeta Turnu Severin, a city within Mehedinți County.

Technical Specifications and Improvements

The modernization will adhere to the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs). The project includes the installation or upgrade of electronic/electrodynamic interlocking systems and ERTMS Level 2 at stations and along the main line. Upon completion, the upgraded section will be designed to accommodate an axle load of 22.5 tonnes and will allow each station to handle trains up to 740 meters in length.

Scope of Works

The scope of the project comprises the modernization of seven tunnels, civil engineering works within stations, and upgrades to the electrification systems along the entire section of the railway line.

Related Projects and Funding

In June 2025, CFR SA awarded a separate contract for Lot 4: Cap X Drobeta Turnu Severin – Cap X Băile Herculane, also part of the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș route, to a consortium led by IC İçtaş İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi and Societatea Comercială Rotary Construcții Mentenanță. This contract is valued at RON 2.3 billion (EUR 440 million), with design works to be completed within one year and the upgrade works to be carried out over five years. The modernization of the Craiova – Caransebeș line is co-financed through the Transport Programme 2021–2027, the state budget, and other financial institutions.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub, boosting Cercanías efficiency. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The modernization of the Craiova – Caransebeș line, supported by the Transport Programme 2021–2027, aims to improve Romania’s transport infrastructure, fostering economic integration and sustainable transport within the European railway network.

Company Summary

CFR SA: Romania’s rail infrastructure manager.

Porr Construct: A construction company contracted for the modernization of the railway line.

IC İçtaş İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi: A company leading a consortium awarded a separate contract for the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș route.

Societatea Comercială Rotary Construcții Mentenanță: A member of the consortium awarded a contract for the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș route.

Technology

ERTMS Level 2: European Rail Traffic Management System, Level 2