Romania and Moldova have reached a historic agreement to revive the railway line over the Prut River, which has been idle for more than 30 years. The two countries have shaken hands to restore the Cantemir-Falciu section.
The official step of this important cooperation was taken with a memorandum of understanding signed by the authorities of Moldovan Railways (CFM) and Romanian National Railways Company (CFR). The agreement covers the complete reconstruction of the existing bridge and border stations. The project also includes the construction of both the 1520 mm wide gauge line, which is widely used in Moldova and Russia, and the 1435 mm standard gauge line, which is in line with European standards. double track rails is planned to be laid.
Rebirth After Landslides
This historic railway line, which was initially closed due to serious landslides in 1992, is now being revived by the joint will of the two countries. The implementation of this initiative will significantly improve the connection of the railway network in the region with the European transport system.
Moldova and Romania Renew Their Own Sections
According to a statement from CFM, Moldova aims to complete the work on the 1,8-kilometer section of the railway line up to the Prut station by August 2025. The Moldovan government has allocated a budget of $545.000 for this critical first phase.
Romania will simultaneously renew the section of the route on its territory, with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted rail traffic and speeding up border crossing procedures. The implementation of the double-track system will allow for seamless integration with the European railway system and eliminate the need to change rolling stock due to different track gauges.
A New Highway Bridge is Also Being Built Over the Prut
During the signing ceremony, authorities announced that in addition to the railway line, a new road bridge project has also been launched over the Prut River, near the city of Ungheni. This new infrastructure, called the “Flower Bridge,” will connect the national road networks of Moldova and Romania. It is expected that this project will significantly increase cross-border mobility and further strengthen regional economic ties between the two countries. This joint venture between Romania and Moldova is considered an important step that will not only improve transportation infrastructure, but also strengthen historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
