CFR Călători advances Romanian rail modernization with new locomotive and 42 upgraded carriages

CFR Călători announced that the modernised locomotive LEMA 006 successfully completed all tests and is ready for service. The locomotive was upgraded to 3400 kW with asynchronous traction motors and ETCS Level 2, part of a PNRR‑funded programme that will modernise 17 electric and 20 diesel‑hydraulic locomotives, a contract valued at 525 million lei.

In the same programme, the operator finalised the refurbishment of 42 passenger carriages. The contract with Electroputere Pașcani, worth €41.8 million for modernization and €25.2 million for maintenance, delivered 20 second‑class cars equipped for reduced‑mobility passengers and 22 standard second‑class cars, all featuring air‑conditioning, passenger‑information systems, Wi‑Fi, power outlets, video surveillance and eco‑toilets. Earlier phases had already placed 58 upgraded carriages into service, bringing the total modernised fleet to 139 units.

These upgrades aim to improve travel comfort, safety and accessibility on Romania’s rail network while supporting the country’s recovery plan funded by the European Union.