At the Railway Days 2025 conference in Bucharest, Daniel Apostolache, General Director of Carpatica Feroviar România S.A., presented the company’s plans to capture around 30% of Romania’s rail freight market, positioning it as the country’s new state-owned operator set to succeed CFR Marfă.
Apostolache said Carpatica Feroviar was born “from passion, experience, and responsibility” and designed to bring discipline and performance to an industry undergoing structural change. “We don’t just aim to move goods — we aim to set new standards of transparency, sustainability, and trust,” he told delegates.
A new model for state freight operations
Apostolache outlined Carpatica’s goal to become a modern, competitive and sustainable operator that can regain the confidence of logistics partners and contribute to Romania’s economic competitiveness. The company begins operations with a fleet of 200 locomotives and 6,450 wagons, all registered in the National Vehicle Register and authorised for operation on the national rail network.
Maintenance will be provided through seven locomotive depots — in Buzău, Simeria, Craiova, Oradea, Pașcani and Dej — and several wagon repair facilities in Barboși, Ghighiu, Roșiori, Simeria and Palas, ensuring full operational coverage.
Apostolache stressed that Carpatica will serve all operators and freight forwarders “equitably and transparently”, consolidating its reputation as both a national asset and a reliable commercial partner.
People, technology and integrity
A key part of the company’s strategy will focus on rebuilding workforce confidence and attracting new talent. “In an industry that demands discipline and expertise, we recruit performance and train the future,” Apostolache said, noting that Carpatica is developing a multidisciplinary team that brings together engineers, IT specialists, and logistics professionals.
He outlined three guiding values for the new operator: safety and efficiency, respect for clients, the environment and rail tradition, and innovation through technology. These, he said, will ensure that every kilometre travelled “means earned trust and strengthened partnerships.”
A new beginning for Romanian freight
Apostolache concluded that Carpatica Feroviar represents a break from the past, aiming to restore Romania’s freight transport to its rightful place in European logistics networks.
“We don’t promise miracles,” he said. “We promise discipline, transparency and performance — and a new start for Romanian rail freight.”
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