The first Pesa InterRegional EMU is expected to arrive in Romania by the end of September 2025, marking a significant step forward in the modernisation of the country’s long-distance rail services. The train will undergo a series of rigorous tests and certification procedures in line with European and national requirements, including NoBo (Notified Body) and DeBo (Designated Body) evaluations, paving the way for type approval and eventual commercial deployment.
Earlier in September, representatives from Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (Autoritatea pentru Reformă Feroviară – ARF) visited the Pesa production facility in Bydgoszcz, Poland, where they conducted a preliminary acceptance inspection of the first InterRegional EMU, part of the broader project titled “Procurement of 20 long-distance interregional electric units.” The ARF officials reviewed the train’s structural components, such as the car body and bogie frames, and approved the layout and installation of passenger seating. It was confirmed that the unit designated for delivery is fully equipped according to contract specifications.
This milestone is part of a major investment in Romania’s passenger rail sector. The total contract value stands at RON 919 million (approximately EUR 174.7 million), with RON 559 million (EUR 106.2 million) financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the remainder covered by national co-financing and VAT. Once operational, the InterRegional EMUs will serve key routes across the country, including connections between Cluj Napoca, Brașov, Iași, Suceava, Craiova, and Constanța.
The deployment of these modern EMUs is expected to bring a substantial improvement in passenger comfort, service reliability, and journey times. Each unit will be equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, passenger information systems, and accessible features for passengers with reduced mobility. The trains are also designed to be energy-efficient and compatible with European railway standards, aligning Romania’s rolling stock with the EU Green Deal objectives.
Beyond the initial routes, there are plans to expand the services once electrification works are completed on key corridors such as Cluj Napoca – Oradea and Craiova – Calafat. These extensions will strengthen Romania’s interregional connectivity and support a more sustainable and integrated transport network. Once complete, the Cluj–Brașov–Constanța and Craiova–Calafat corridors will benefit from frequent and high-quality passenger services using the new InterRegional fleet.
Two regional EMUs completed
During the same visit to Bydgoszcz, ARF also carried out preliminary acceptance procedures for two additional Pesa EMUs designed for regional traffic (RE-R units). These form part of a separate Lot 2 contract for the delivery of 23 short-distance electric trains, under the wider procurement of 62 RE-R units. Funded by the Modernisation Fund and supported through national co-financing, the project is valued at RON 1.6 billion (EUR 470.2 million) with an additional RON 447.6 million (EUR 91 million) contributed by the Romanian state, including VAT.
These regional EMUs will operate on suburban and regional routes, helping to modernise Romania’s local rail infrastructure and improve travel conditions for thousands of daily commuters. Together with the InterRegional units, they represent a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s electric train fleet, aiming to reduce emissions, boost punctuality, and provide a competitive alternative to road transport. The delivery of these units is expected to continue throughout 2026 and 2027, with full integration into the national rail system following successful certification.
The introduction of the Pesa InterRegional EMU and RE-R units is not only a step forward in terms of technology and passenger experience, but also a strategic move to revitalise Romania’s railways after decades of underinvestment. By replacing outdated rolling stock with modern, European-standard electric trains, the country is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, competitive, and attractive rail service. This aligns with both EU transport policy and Romania’s national mobility goals, which prioritise decarbonisation, increased rail usage, and improved accessibility across regions. As new trains enter service, authorities expect a notable shift in public perception of rail transport, encouraging more citizens to choose trains over cars and contributing to long-term environmental and economic benefits.
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