en.Wedoany.com Reported - Alstom has signed a contract with CFR Infrastructura, the Romanian national railway infrastructure management company, to modernize the 44 km Filiași–Igiroasa section of the Craiova–Caransebeș railway corridor.

This project, part of the larger Lot 2, will introduce European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 digital signaling, GSM-R railway communications, and upgraded electrification infrastructure to enhance the operational performance, capacity, and interoperability of one of Romania's most important railway lines.

The project will be executed by the TrackWorks consortium, comprising Alstom and civil engineering partner Terna Tourist Technical and Maritime Societe Anonyme. This consortium is also responsible for Lot 1 of the same modernization project. Under the agreement, Alstom will provide signaling, communication, and electrification systems, while Terna will handle the associated civil works during the 60-month implementation period.

The upgraded railway will support passenger trains operating at speeds up to 160 km/h and freight trains at up to 120 km/h. The project also includes a fully modernized 25 kV electrification system, enhanced line capacity, improved operational reliability, and infrastructure upgrades to meet European interoperability standards. Improvements include support for 22.5-ton axle loads, extended station tracks, upgraded stops, and improved accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.

This line is part of the TEN-T Orient/East-Med Corridor and holds strategic importance for both domestic and international rail services. Serban Iorga, Managing Director of Alstom for Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova, stated that by continuing the modernization of the Craiova–Caransebeș corridor, Romania is reinforcing its commitment to safer, faster, and more efficient rail transport aligned with European standards. He added that this investment will improve passenger services and freight operations while supporting the country's long-term railway modernization plan.

Upon completion, the project will enhance cross-border rail connectivity by improving compatibility with other modernized sections of the corridor. The deployment of ERTMS Level 2 will also support Romania's broader goal of integrating its railway network with European standards, enabling more efficient international operations while improving safety, capacity, and service reliability.