Romania begins rehabilitation of eight tunnels on Bumbești–Livezeni railway line

Eight tunnels on the Bumbești–Livezeni railway line, which runs through the Defileul Jiului, are set for rehabilitation nearly eight decades after the line’s inauguration. The works are part of the "Lucrări de reabilitare poduri, podețe și tuneluri – SRCF Craiova" project launched for tender in February 2025, with a total estimated cost of 148 million lei (about 100 million lei earmarked for the tunnels). The contract, awarded to Strabag in autumn 2025, covers design and execution of works on the eight tunnels, two bridges and four footbridges.

The eight tunnels, totaling 2,066 m, are located mainly in the Valea Sadului–Meri–Lainici sector and between Pietrele Albe and Livezeni, with lengths ranging from 86 m to 559 m. The project aims to improve railway safety, remove speed and tonnage restrictions, reduce flood risk, lower accident‑related costs and enhance maintenance efficiency. Although the tender was awarded, a July 2026 CFR report indicates the project remains in the acquisition phase, with design and construction yet to start. The Bumbești–Livezeni line, a 31‑km stretch featuring 39 tunnels (almost 8 km in total) and 123 viaducts, bridges and footbridges, is considered one of Romania’s most challenging railway works.