Cluj-Napoca’s ambitious metropolitan train project is making significant progress, with the tender for the construction of new stations recently awarded. This major urban mobility initiative in Romania's Transylvania region is poised to transform public transportation in the city and its surrounding areas.

Awarded Tender

The tender, which includes the construction and modernization of 23 stations, was won by the consortium comprising CON-A Operations SRL, ZUE Spolka Akcyjna from Poland, and UTI Construction and Facility Management SA. The contract is set to be signed next week, as announced by Cluj-Napoca’s long-serving mayor, Emil Boc, on his Facebook page.

Project Scope and Funding

The metropolitan train project has a total value exceeding RON 1.4 billion, with 85% of the funds coming from non-reimbursable European funding. The project will utilize existing infrastructure between Bonțida and Gârbău, covering a route of nearly 49 km. It will connect Cluj-Napoca with nearby towns including Baciu, Apahida, Jucu, and Bonțida, enhancing public transport connectivity.

Infrastructure Improvements

In addition to the station construction, the project will modernize over 50 km of existing railway lines and construct nearly 3 km of new track toward the Bonțida Depot. The project also includes the installation of new signaling systems and the expansion of access areas around the stations.

Facilitating Public Transport

Eight park & ride facilities will be established at key points along the route to ease the transition from road to rail transport. The train fleet will consist of seven electric trainsets, each capable of carrying approximately 420 passengers. These trains will operate on a 30-minute schedule, reaching speeds of up to 150 km/h.

Future Projections

The project is scheduled to be completed by 2029, with official estimates projecting around 7,600 daily passengers in 2030, growing to approximately 9,500 daily passengers by 2050. The metropolitan train project is a significant investment in modernizing and expanding urban rail infrastructure in Romania.