Siemens strengthens its position in European railway signalling market
A Siemens-led consortium has secured three significant railway signalling modernisation contracts, further expanding the company’s role in delivering digital rail infrastructure across Europe.
The projects will modernise critical sections of the railway network through the deployment of advanced signalling technology designed to improve operational safety, network reliability and overall rail capacity.
The contracts form part of wider programmes aimed at replacing ageing signalling assets with modern digital systems that support more efficient train operations while preparing networks for future traffic growth.
Siemens to modernise more than 560 km of Romania’s railway network
A consortium led by Siemens Mobility, together with Romanian partners ELSITEL and IMSAT, has been awarded three major railway signalling modernisation contracts by Romania’s national railway infrastructure manager, CFR SA.
Valued at approximately €308 million, the programme represents one of the largest railway signalling upgrades currently underway in Romania and will modernise around 560 kilometres of railway infrastructure across several key regional rail corridors.
The projects form part of Romania’s ongoing investment in modernising its railway network to improve operational efficiency, increase capacity and support more sustainable transport.
Large-scale signalling upgrade
The contracts include the replacement of ageing signalling equipment with modern digital signalling and interlocking technologies across multiple railway sections within the Cluj, Timișoara, Iași and Galați regional railway networks.
The programme will modernise:
Approximately 560 km of railway infrastructure
66 railway stations
13 centralised operation centres
122 level crossings
More than 2,000 railway signals
Many of the existing signalling systems have been in service for several decades and have exceeded their original design life. The new systems are expected to deliver higher levels of operational reliability, improved safety and more efficient traffic management.
Modern digital signalling
Under the contracts, the consortium will deliver a range of signalling technologies including modern interlocking systems, train control equipment and associated railway infrastructure.
Digital signalling enables:
- Improved railway safety
- Increased line capacity
- Better train punctuality
- Reduced maintenance requirements
- Enhanced operational flexibility
The modernisation programmes are expected to support both passenger and freight services by providing more resilient and reliable railway operations.
Supporting Romania’s digital railway transformation
The projects reinforce the ongoing transition towards digital railway operations across Europe, where infrastructure managers continue investing in signalling upgrades to improve network performance and support sustainable transport objectives.
Modern signalling systems are increasingly recognised as one of the most cost-effective methods of increasing railway capacity without the need for extensive new infrastructure.
Siemens Mobility has been involved in numerous signalling and train control projects worldwide, delivering technologies such as digital interlockings, ETCS (European Train Control System) and integrated traffic management solutions.
Supporting sustainable transport
Beyond operational improvements, the projects contribute to Romania’s and the European Union’s objective of increasing the use of rail as a sustainable mode of transport.
By delivering more reliable and efficient railway services, the programme is expected to encourage a greater shift of passenger and freight traffic from road to rail, supporting long-term decarbonisation and climate objectives.
Industry significance
As governments continue investing in rail infrastructure to encourage modal shift from road to rail, signalling modernisation remains a key priority for many railway operators.
Digital signalling technologies not only improve operational efficiency but also provide the foundation for future automation, higher service frequencies and better passenger experiences.
These latest contract awards further strengthen Siemens Mobility’s position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of railway signalling and digital rail technologies.
Key Facts
- Client : CFR SA (Romania’s Railway Infrastructure Manager)
Lead Contractor : Siemens Mobility
Consortium Partners : ELSITEL and IMSAT
Contract Value : Approximately €308 million
Railway Length : Approximately 560 km
Stations : 66
Centralised Operation Centres : 13
Level Crossings : 122
Railway Signals :More than 2,000
Source: Siemens Mobility Press Release.
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