The Romanian government has finalised plans for a 781.9 km high-speed rail (HSR) line from Constanta to the Hungarian border. These plans are based on a study, due to be completed in December 2025, carried out by an international consortium led by Atkins Realis, with estimated investment costs of EUR 14.93 billion. The line is to run via Bucharest, Brasov, Targu Mures, Cluj-Napoca, Zalau and Oradea, connect to the planned Hungarian HSR network and form part of the European TEN-T core network. A hybrid approach is envisaged, comprising upgrades to existing lines to 160-200 km/h and new lines for 200-250 km/h. Implementation is structured in four phases. The first step envisages a new double-track line between Bucharest and Campina with a speed of 250 km/h. A construction tender for the Predeal – Brasov section, including the Predeal Tunnel for 200 km/h, is expected in 2026. Further phases include the new lines between Brașov and Cluj-Napoca and between Cluj-Napoca and Oradea, as well as works between Bucharest, Fetesti and Constanta. The study also recommended the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, as well as multi-year funding from 2027 onwards through European Union funds, the national budget and, where appropriate, public-private partnerships (PPP).
