Alstom, a global provider of modern and sustainable transport solutions, has secured a new contract to upgrade the Bucharest-Giurgiu railway line in Romania. This section of the railway, known as Lot 2, will be equipped with advanced ERTMS Level 2 signalling and full electrification. The total project is valued at around €450 million, with Alstom’s share estimated at approximately 25%.
The railway line, originally opened in 1869 as Romania’s first, will see a major overhaul aimed at boosting capacity, energy efficiency, and overall reliability. Romanian firm Arcada will lead and carry out the civil engineering works. The contract was signed by Asocierea RailWorks, a consortium made up of Alstom and Arcada (consortium leader), in partnership with CFR SA, Romania’s national rail infrastructure operator. The work will be carried out over a 36-month period and includes both design and execution.
“This contract strengthens our leadership in railway signalling and electrification in Romania and brings new life to a railway of great historical importance,” said Gabriel Stanciu, Alstom’s Managing Director for Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova. “It also highlights the skills and commitment of our growing team of more than 230 engineers who support both national and international projects.”
The project will modernise 93.45 kilometres of single-track line stretching from Bucharest North through Jilava and Giurgiu North to the Giurgiu border. Key upgrades will include track infrastructure, electrification systems, digital signalling, telecommunications, and supporting civil works. Once complete, trains will be able to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
Alstom will handle the installation of the ERTMS Level 2 system and carry out electrification work, including the power supply network and overhead lines. These improvements will significantly enhance train operations on this vital route, which forms part of the Rhine-Danube corridor, connecting Romania to Bulgaria, Greece, and Türkiye. The modernisation extends up to the Friendship Bridge, the key rail link between Romania and Bulgaria.
Alstom holds a leading role in the deployment of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) worldwide and continues to develop advanced rail control systems. In Europe, Alstom is responsible for more than 30% of operational ERTMS Level 2 lines, confirming its strong position in delivering safe, efficient, and high-performance rail solutions across the region.
