Hitachi Rail has announced the successful commissioning of phase 1 of the modernisation project on the 79 km Ghioroc–Barzava railway line in western part of Romania.
The ambitious project, carried out in collaboration with Webuild, FCC, and Salcef, marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Romania’s rail infrastructure.
Launched in 2017 and scheduled for completion in December 2025, the project includes the installation and commissioning of seven new electronic interlockings (ESTW) along the line.
In phase 1, five interlockings – located in Ghioroc, Milova, Radna, Păuliș, and Bârzava Nouă – 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 customised 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 moderniaed 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 centralisation 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,” said Mihai Bizau, Bids and Projects Director, at Hitachi Rail in Romania.
In March 2025, Hitachi Rail successfully completed the commissioning of the electronic interlocking systems at the Bârzava Nouă, Milova, Radna, Păuliș, and Ghioroc train stations, along with the electronic integrated block interface, as part of the Hungarian Border – Arad – km 614 rail project.
This phase is part of the investment project “Rehabilitation of the Border (Hungary) – Curtici – Simeria railway line,” comprising of Km 614 – Cap Y Bârzava section (2a) and Cap Y Bârzava – Cap Y Ilteu (2b).
The modernisation and installation of new signalling systems along the Ghioroc–Barzava railway allows trains to run at speeds of up to 140 km/h, reducing journey times by up to 25%. 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.
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