Romania receives five new high‑speed electric locomotives

Five new electric locomotives have been delivered to Romania and are expected to enter service within three weeks after administrative procedures are completed. The units can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, although the existing rail network allows such speeds only on a few sections, such as the Bucharest‑Constanța line.

The locomotives are part of a contract for 16 new units that will be operated by CFR Călători and will be capable of hauling up to 16 passenger cars. They join a broader modernization effort overseen by the Autoritatea pentru Reformă Feroviară, which includes the acquisition of additional electric multiple units and the refurbishment of existing rolling stock under the national recovery plan.

While the new locomotives represent a step forward, the majority of Romania’s fleet remains old, with many diesel locomotives dating back 30‑50 years and a limited number of modern electric trains currently in operation.