PORR is reinforcing its position as a leader in rail construction by upgrading Romania’s railway infrastructure to top European standards. The company has secured a significant design and build contract to renovate and modernize the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș railway line. The project is valued at approximately EUR 428 million (RON 2.14 billion).
PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss emphasized the importance of the new railway project, stating, “This initiative will enhance traffic flow and boost safety along the Orient/East-Med corridor. We at PORR are proud to play a key role in expanding Europe’s transport network.”
The contract involves the renovation and modernization of a crucial section of Romania’s railway infrastructure: the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș corridor, specifically Lot 5. This extensive project calls for a broad range of technical expertise from PORR.
Key works include renovating 32.6 km of track, upgrading the existing single track to a double track, and constructing two new double-track variants. The project also features the building of 18 bridges and 54 culverts along the route. Tunnel work encompasses the refurbishment of the 496-meter-long Rachitoberg Tunnel and the construction of a new 1,279-meter twin-track tunnel named Poarta I. Additionally, six railway stations—Băile Herculane, Mehadia Nouă, Mehadia, Iablanița, Crușovăț, and Domașnea Cornea—will be renovated and modernized. The total duration for the project is planned at 60 months.
The entire line will be fully electrified and equipped with a cutting-edge power supply and signalling system. It will implement the latest European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 technology.
Strauss highlighted the project’s overall impact: “This major upgrade will significantly reduce travel times, increase transport capacity, and elevate Romania’s railway infrastructure to meet European standards for speed and safety.”
