A railway segment in Transylvania sets a rarely encountered record in the Romanian railway infrastructure: 36.5 kilometers of new line on a single track have been completed in less than two years. The Pro Infrastructure Association talks about a premiere on the CFR mainlines, but points out that the performance comes under special conditions and is not without issues.
36.5 km of new track between Aghireșu and Poieni
According to the Pro Infrastructure Association, the Alstom-Arcada consortium has modernized the Aghireșu-Poieni segment, part of the Cluj-Napoca-Oradea section, at a record pace.
"Railway record: modernization on a single track in just two years. Unfortunately, we have learned to settle for very little on the railway. Even so, it is noteworthy the record set by the Alstom-Arcada consortium on Aghireșu-Poieni, part of Cluj-Napoca-Oradea: completely new track on all 36.5 kilometers in less than two years," representatives of the organization stated.
For the railway infrastructure in Romania, where modernization projects often span much longer periods, the timeframe is considered a notable achievement.
"PNRR fire under the seat" and reduced bureaucracy
Organization representatives also explain the context that allowed for this accelerated pace. The pressure of the deadlines in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), simpler technical conditions, and a somewhat decent contractor made the difference.
"It is proof that a transportation official can perform if the PNRR fire is lit under their seat, if the bureaucracy is not extremely complicated (unchanged alignment, relatively easy terrain), and if the contractor is somewhat decent, not a rocket or a saint," the Pro Infrastructure Association further points out.
In the latest official CFR report from December 2025, the physical progress was at 59%.
Trains on a single track to attract PNRR funds
According to the organization, if by August 2026 lot 1 reaches a sufficient stage on the rail and sleeper part, it could be possible to operate trains on a new single track without centralized installations, with gatekeepers at the barriers.
"We will be able to send trains on a new single track, without centralizations, with gatekeepers at the barriers, to get the PNRR funds. It is not optimal or spectacular but it is a premiere on a mainline modernization project," specialists specified.
The solution would allow for the disbursement of European funds, but it does not represent the final and complete form of modernization.
Blockage at Poieni station
Pro Infrastructure also highlights some persistent issues. One of them is the situation at Poieni, where track 1 is blocked due to the station building.
"For example, the absurdity at Poieni, where track 1 is blocked due to the station building: CFR has given up both the track and the building, which will remain a ruin even if declared a historical monument (as the locals want) because there is no funding for its restoration. In the meantime, it is not clear where the construction that will house the Poieni control center and IDM will be located," the organization states.
Ecoduct over Crișul Repede River, under redesign
Another challenge is at Brăișoru Cap Y, on a short temporary route. Here, works are planned for an ecoduct over the Crișul Repede River, which will cross three railway tracks and DN1.
The ecoduct is currently in the redesign phase, and the project will require extensive discussions regarding the environmental impact before being effectively carried out.