Economy 3 min read By Alice Ashford
CFR Infrastructură Reports Bucharest–Giurgiu Railway Modernization Now 22% Complete
Modernization work on the Bucharest–Giurgiu line has reached 22% physical progress, while electrification, viaduct and passenger building sites are advancing across several sections.
The modernization of the Bucharest–Giurgiu railway has reached 22% physical progress, according to data published by CFR Infrastructură. The previously reported stage was 19%, as of October 13, 2026, indicating a steady pace of execution on a strategic project for the rail link between Romania and Bulgaria.
Earthworks, culverts, platforms and consolidation structures are active on the construction sites. In parallel, on several sections, the poles needed for electrification are being installed. On the Mihai Bravu–Băneasa Giurgiu section, the installation of poles and anchors has reached 80%, and on the viaduct between kilometers 53+600 and 54+600, foundations and bored columns are being built. These interventions are preparing the structure for the electrification installation and for the consolidation of the line's engineering structures.
Progress is also visible in the buildings associated with the line. The new passenger building is 90% complete, and the district building in Băneasa Giurgiu has reached 95%. These works complement interventions on the linear infrastructure and safety installations, and their completion will allow the stations to operate under modern conditions.
The contract was signed on August 14, 2025, with the RailWorks association, led by Arcada Company, with Alstom Transport as partner. The contract value is approximately 2.108 billion lei excluding VAT, below the initial estimate of 2.259 billion lei, representing a saving of approximately 151 million lei. The contract duration is 36 months and includes six design stages and 30 works, with an estimated completion date of September 2028.
The project is financed through the Connecting Europe Facility, with co-financing from the state budget. The declared objectives are increasing travel speed, reducing journey times and improving safety. The modernization also provides for the implementation of the European ERTMS Level 2 system, as well as GSM-R for railway communications, technologies that will allow more precise management of train traffic.
The line is of particular importance for the connection with Bulgaria, the route being linked through the Friendship Bridge. Once completed, the modernization will contribute to smoother passenger and freight traffic on a corridor connecting the capital with the country's southern border. Reducing journey times on this route is one of the most anticipated effects of the works, given that travel time directly influences the choice of rail transport over road transport.
Given the current stage of 22%, the works remain in the execution phase for most components, and the coming months will show whether the pace of progress is maintained until the September 2028 deadline. Official data on physical progress and the schedule are provided by CFR Infrastructură, the institution coordinating the project.
Source: economedia.ro
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