Wedoany.com Report-Jun 9, Austria’s Porr Group has secured a €428 million contract to design and rebuild a 33km railway connecting the southwestern Romanian cities of Craiova, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, and Caransebeș. The project aims to enhance the region’s transportation infrastructure, improving efficiency and safety.

Landscape photograph of Craiova, Romania

The renovation will convert the railway into a double-track line, reconstruct 18 bridges, and refurbish the 496m-long Rachitoberg Tunnel. A new 1,279m twin-track tunnel will also be constructed. Additionally, the project includes upgrading six stations and installing modern power and signaling systems to meet contemporary standards.

Karl-Heinz Strauss, Porr’s chief executive, stated: “This project will contribute to improving the flow of traffic and increasing safety along the Orient/East-Med corridor. It will cut travel time, increase transport capacity and bring the national infrastructure up to European standards for speed and safety.” The upgrades are expected to streamline regional connectivity and support economic growth.

Construction is scheduled to take 60 months, with completion anticipated in 2030. The project aligns with Romania’s efforts to modernize its rail network, enhancing integration with European transport corridors. By increasing capacity and reducing travel times, the renovated line will support both passenger and freight services, fostering improved logistics across the region.

The initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, ensuring the railway meets European benchmarks for speed, safety, and reliability. Porr Group’s expertise in large-scale construction will play a key role in delivering a high-quality, durable rail system that benefits local communities and strengthens Romania’s position within European trade routes.