Faster, greener European rail: Chișinău–Ungheni line enters electrification phase

The Republic of Moldova is beginning the modernization of its railway transport by electrifying the Chișinău–Ungheni line, a strategic project that will bring the national infrastructure closer to European standards.

According to the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, the Chișinău–Ungheni segment will become the first electrified railway in the country and will allow trains to run at speeds of up to 140 km/h. This will reduce travel time and make freight transport more efficient and competitive.

The project also includes connecting Moldova’s railway infrastructure to the European TEN-T network, facilitating integration into regional transport corridors and strengthening economic ties. Railway electrification is an important step towards sustainable transport, with authorities emphasizing that it will help reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. The initiative is part of a broader transport infrastructure modernization program focused on sustainable development and alignment with European Union standards.

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea announced that this year the feasibility study will be completed for the construction of the first electrified railway line with European gauge on the Chișinău–Ungheni segment.

In Chișinău the electrified railway line will extend to the vicinity of the Airport. It will be a continuation of the electrified railway section starting in Iași and reaching Ungheni.

“We are talking about a railway built from scratch, in line with European requirements and design, fully electrified, with European gauge and a minimum train speed of 140 km per hour,” said Bolea.

The official noted that the project will ensure direct connection to the modern European railway network.

“It will be the train that will initially connect the Republic of Moldova to Bucharest, but later, when the Romanian side completes the construction project from Iași to Pașcani and from Pașcani northwards towards the European Union, we will be able to reach, via Ungheni, any city in the European Union by high-speed train running at 140–160 km/h,” Bolea added.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development announced that the project’s pre-feasibility study is being carried out with the support of the Eastern Partnership Connectivity Investment Facility (EPIC), an initiative that contributes to the development of sustainable infrastructure and the expansion of the European transport network.