Romanian state railway CFR has launched tenders for contracts to modernise two sections of the 225.3 km Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebes main line with a total value of €1 billion (RON 4.87 billion). The first contract includes design and construction works on the 41.6 km section from Drobeta Turnu Severin to Baile Herculane worth €490 million. The work must be completed within six years, including one year for design work. The six-year contract for the 32.6 km Baile Herculane – Po Poarta section is worth €488 million. The modernisation of the Craiova – Caransebes main line will enable trains to travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h. In addition, gradients will be reduced where they currently exceed 18%. Further construction work includes the reinforcement of bridges to accommodate axle loads of up to 22.5 t. The modernisation also includes the installation of new electronic interlocking systems, the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 (L2), and the GSM-R radio system, as well as station modernisations and the installation of noise barriers. Funding for the modernisation of Craiova – Caransebes is part of Romania's 2021-27 transport programme amounting to €9.6 billion, which includes €4.6 billion in funding from the European Union.
