The groundbreaking of the first metro line in Cluj-Napoca: a step towards modernizing transportation infrastructure

On June 5, 2024, in the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca, the official ceremony marking the beginning of construction for the first metro line took place, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This project represents a significant advancement in the city’s transportation infrastructure development, serving a population of approximately 300,000 in the northwest region of the country.

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The new Y-shaped metro line with a gauge of 1435 mm will stretch 21 km and include 19 stations, scheduled to be operational by 2031.

A key feature of the new line will be its high level of automation (GoA4), enabling trains to operate autonomously.

This marks a significant milestone for Romania, where metro systems currently exist only in the capital, Bucharest.

The new line is expected to handle up to 164,000 passengers daily, greatly enhancing Cluj-Napoca’s transportation capacity.

The project is estimated to cost 13.7 billion Romanian leu, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with 10 billion leu from the state budget, 1.48 billion leu from the European Union, and the remainder from local authorities.

The contract for design and construction of the metro line, valued at 9 billion leu (approximately 1.8 billion euros), was awarded in May 2023 to a consortium comprising Alstom, GÜLERMAK, and Arcada.

Alstom, responsible for implementing electrical supply systems, signaling and communication, platform doors installation, track laying, control center equipment, and cybersecurity deployment, will receive 400 million euros.

The line will operate with 26 three-car trains, each capable of carrying up to 540 passengers.

The new metro line will provide convenient connectivity between downtown Cluj-Napoca and densely populated suburban areas, significantly improving transport accessibility and reducing travel time for residents and visitors alike.

The construction of the metro in Cluj-Napoca marks a pivotal moment in the city’s and the country’s development, showcasing Romania’s commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure and enhancing quality of life for its people.

This new project serves as a successful collaboration between local and international companies, leveraging European investments to realize major infrastructure projects.

Thus, the launch of Cluj-Napoca’s first metro line will not only facilitate mobility for residents and visitors but also stimulate further economic growth in the region, making it more attractive to investors and tourists.

Photo: GÜLERMAK

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