Astra Trans Carpatic launches new Chinese-made train in Romania

Astra Trans Carpatic has introduced a new electric train manufactured by the Chinese company CRRC Sifang on the Bucharest–Brașov route. This marks the first time a new train has been put into service by a private operator in Romania rather than through state acquisitions. The train, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, will operate two daily return trips between the two cities, stopping at locations including Ploiești Vest, Sinaia, and Predeal.

Simultaneously, the Romanian railway sector faces broader structural challenges. The Railway Reform Authority (ARF) is working on a project to implement a regular, rhythmic train schedule around major cities, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, to improve commuter mobility. This project is co-financed by the European Union.

However, the industry is also grappling with significant financial and infrastructural issues. Railway unions have warned of potential service stoppages due to a lack of government funding for operators and infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, government reports indicate that 72% of the rail network consists of old tracks, with funding between 2021 and 2025 covering less than half of the required investment for infrastructure development.