Alstom to Modernise Bucharest–Giurgiu Railway with Electrification and ERTMS

Alstom and Arcada have been contracted to modernise the second section of the Bucharest–Giurgiu railway line in Romania, including electrification and the introduction of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2.

The works will be carried out by the Asocierea RailWorks consortium, consisting of Alstom and Romanian construction company Arcada, with Arcada acting as the lead partner.

The agreement, valued at approximately 450 million EUR in total, allocates around a quarter of this sum to Alstom. The project covers 93.45 kilometres of single-track railway running between Bucharest North, Jilava, Giurgiu North and the Giurgiu border. The section forms part of Romania’s first railway line, originally opened in 1869.

The scope of works includes electrification, infrastructure and track upgrades, installation of signalling and telecommunications systems, and associated civil engineering. When complete, the line will allow passenger trains to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Alstom will deliver the ERTMS Level 2 signalling, digital train control systems, and electrification works, including power supply and overhead lines. Arcada will manage the civil works.

Gabriel Stanciu, Alstom Managing Director for Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova said:

This new contract consolidates Alstom's leading position on the Romanian railway market, for both signalling and electrification and will help revitalise a true historical railway milestone. It will be another significant achievement for our growing team of over 230 highly qualified engineers, whose expertise supports both our local and our international projects.

The Bucharest–Giurgiu North Border route connects to the Rhine–Danube Pan-European Corridor and links Romania with Bulgaria via the Friendship Bridge over the Danube. The current project covers the line up to the bridge’s approach.

The contract has a 36-month timeframe, covering both design and execution.