Cluj-Oradea railway modernization faces delays and fund losses

The modernization of the Cluj-Napoca to Oradea railway line is facing significant setbacks on certain sections. According to reports from the Pro Infrastructură Association and CFR data, the Poieni-Aleșd section (Lot 3) has reached a physical progress of approximately 39% as of late 2026.

Pro Infrastructură highlighted that approximately 200 million euros in non-reimbursable EU funds from the PNRR were lost due to a two-year delay in issuing construction permits. This delay was reportedly caused by Apele Române not assuming responsibility for flood levels on the Crișul Repede river. Consequently, the rail connection between Cluj-Napoca and Oradea may not be fully restored until 2028.

The contract for the 52.74 km Poieni-Aleșd lot, valued at 2.11 billion lei excluding VAT, was signed in November 2022. While Lot 3 faces delays, the first two lots (Cluj-Napoca–Aghireș and Aghireș–Poieni) have reached physical progress levels of 75% and 76% respectively.