The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure issued on Friday, March 27, 2026, the final construction permit for the Cluj – Oradea – Episcopia Bihor railway line, a strategic project valued at over 2 billion EUR funded through the PNRR. The decision unblocks works on Lot 3, Poieni – Aleșd, the most difficult sector of the route, where contractors must recover delays to reach a 50% execution threshold by the end of August and secure European funding.
The works on the 35 km segment are being executed by the consortium formed by FCC Construcción (Spain), Gülermak (Turkey), and CCN Altyapi (Turkey). After a prolonged design period and warning signs regarding site stagnation, including from Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, authorities confirmed the transition to the intensive execution phase. Horațiu Cosma, State Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, stated that the objective is to reduce travel time between Cluj and Oradea to approximately 1.5 hours starting in 2027, through strict monitoring of the work pace and ensuring rapid payments.
The 166 km main line will be fully electrified and doubled on most of the route, being designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h. The project includes the installation of the modern ERTMS signaling system, the construction of 34 bridges, 4 tunnels, and 10 passages, as well as the modernization of 11 stations and 11 halts. The infrastructure will also benefit from over 40 km of noise barriers and new passenger buildings, aligning the railway connection in the west of the country with European standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of the Cluj-Oradea railway project?
The project is valued at over 2 billion EUR and is funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
What is the expected travel time between Cluj and Oradea after completion?
Once the modernization is complete in 2027, travel time is expected to decrease to approximately 1.5 hours.
Which sector was the last to receive a construction permit?
The last permit was issued for Lot 3, the Poieni – Aleșd segment, which is considered the most difficult part of the project.