Press release -
Hitachi Rail supports modernization of Romanian railways
- Successful commission of Phase 1 of Ghioroc-Barzava Project allows speeds of up to 140 km/h
- Journey times reduced by up to 25% by a 20 km/h increase in travel speed
- Integration of cutting-edge technologies allows for a significant reduction in manual maintenance requirements
- Technological advancement in digital signalling will include ETCS Level 2 and customized L90 electronic interlockings.
Hitachi Rail has announced the successful commissioning of Phase 1 of the modernization project on the Ghioroc–Barzava railway line in Romania. The ambitious initiative – carried out in collaboration with Webuild, FCC, and Salcef – marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Romania’s rail infrastructure.
The project supports CFR, Romania’s national railway operator, which runs both freight and passenger services along the route. By upgrading the line for higher speeds and enhanced automation, the project not only increases efficiency but simultaneously reduces the maintenance requirement by operational staff.
Launched in 2017 and scheduled for completion in December 2025, the project includes the installation and commissioning of seven new electronic interlockings (ESTW) along a 79 km stretch. In Phase 1, five interlockings – located in Ghioroc, Milova, Radna, Păuliș, and Bârzava Noua – have been successfully brought online. Future phases will implement ETCS Level 2 and complete the activation of the remaining interlockings.
Hitachi Rail is deploying a suite of advanced technologies, including customized L90 interlockings, LED signals, L700H point machines, track circuits, ETCS Level 2, advanced traffic management system integration, power supply systems, CCTV, PIS-PAS, IP/MPLS, GSM-R, telecommunications systems, balises, and modernized level crossings. These innovations are engineered to significantly improve travel time, operational reliability, and system maintainability.
“The project marks a major step forward in growing rail transport efficiency and safety, thanks to cutting-edge electronic centralization solutions developed by our R&D team. This success is a proof of the exceptional teamwork of Hitachi teams, and I sincerely thank everyone for their dedication and efforts,” underlines Mihai Bizau, Bids and Projects Director, Hitachi Rail in Romania.
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About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.
With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world’s best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.
Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems.
Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €54.55bn / ¥8,564 bn.
For more information, visit hitachirail.com
