Alstom to develop the first automated metro system in Romania

French company Alstom has signed a contract with the municipality of Cluj-Napoca to build the first metro line in the city of Cluj-Napoca in the Transylvania region of Romania

The first line of the new metro will include 19 underground stations and stretch for 21 km upon completion after 8 years of construction, according to Railway Supply magazine citing Alstom.

This turnkey project is part of a partnership between construction firms Gulermak and Arcada. The project’s cost is €1.8 billion, with Alstom investing around €400 million.

Alstom will be responsible for system integration, signaling and communication, power supply and track work, platform screen doors, security and control center, as well as the integration of proven cybersecurity into the metro system.

Using the proven high-performance CBTC Urbalis signaling solution, Alstom will install a Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) train control system for the first time in Romania, providing the highest level of automation, GoA4.

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According to Alstom, automated railways provide approximately 30% more passenger capacity while reducing energy consumption by 45%.

Gian Luca Erbacchi, President of Alstom Europe, emphasized Alstom’s ongoing successful presence in Romania and highlighted how this project aims to transform mobility in Romania.

“I am very proud that Alstom will be involved in the construction of the Cluj-Napoca metro. This is another milestone in Alstom’s long-standing presence and experience in Romania,” said Erbacchi.

“This is a very ambitious and innovative infrastructure project for the country. The Cluj-Napoca metro is one of the largest turnkey projects in Europe, covering a solid portfolio of signaling and infrastructure solutions, demonstrating Alstom’s leadership in sustainable urban mobility.”

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Alstom has previously stated its belief that “the future of railways is automated,” citing its experience with over 50 autonomous operating systems since the 1970s.

Furthermore, the company’s past experience has been validated in several European countries, including France, where they secured a €430 million contract from Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence for the reconstruction and automation of the Marseille metro.

Erbacchi added, “The project provides an excellent opportunity for innovation in the Romanian market through driverless metro technology – our international experience gives us the unique expertise required for such a groundbreaking project.”

Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) will provide financing for the first phase, which will be completed within 4 years and cover just over 9 km with 9 stations and an above-ground depot.

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