Cluj-Napoca to Oradea railway modernization

The modernization of the railway line connecting Cluj-Napoca and Oradea is progressing unevenly across different sections. As of late September 2026, the Pro Infrastructură Association urged the Romanian Ministry of Transport and Romanian State Railways (CFR) to restore services between Cluj-Napoca and Gilău by early 2027, noting that 80 percent of the work on the first 63 kilometers is complete. The association suggested implementing a shuttle service using diesel multiple units on this finished segment while work continues elsewhere.

However, by October 2026, reports indicated significant setbacks on other parts of the line. The Poieni-Aleșd section (Lot 3) reached only 39 percent physical progress. Delays in issuing construction permits, reportedly due to disputes regarding flood levels on the Crișul Repede river involving Apele Române, resulted in the loss of approximately 200 million euros in non-reimbursable EU funds from the PNRR. While the first two lots (Cluj-Napoca–Aghireș and Aghireș–Poieni) have reached progress levels of 75 and 76 percent respectively, the full rail connection may not be restored until 2028.