First electrified railway segment of Moldova, part of connection with EU; Deputy PM says segment strategic step towards modern, cheaper, more efficient transport

The construction of the first electrified railway section will integrate Moldova into the European transport network. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea today made statements to this effect. The official announced that the project was being carried out in partnership with the Infrastructure Ministry of Romania and concerned the construction of a segment of modern European railway, electrified in accordance with TEN-T standards, between Iasi and Ungheni.

“The railway of Moldova is included in a project together with the Infrastructure Ministry of Romania for the construction of the first European railway section, electrified according to all TEN-T rules. It will run from Iasi to Ungheni. The financial resources are provided by the European Union: 50 per cent grant and 50 per cent contribution from the budget of Moldova,” Bolea said.

The official stressed that this project would represent the first electrified railway section in the history of Moldova, with direct benefits for citizens and the economy.

“This section will allow citizens to travel to Iasi, then to Bucharest and other destinations, with enhanced comfort and lower costs. Railway transport is already cheaper than road transport and electrified rail transport is the most economically efficient,” the deputy prime minister noted.

According to the authorities, the development of electrified railway infrastructure will bring multiple advantages for Moldova: reduced transport costs, increased economic competitiveness and smoother trade flows with the European Union.

“These investments mean diversifying export and import routes for economic operators, reducing pressure on road infrastructure and lower costs for farmers, builders and the entire economy,” Bolea underlined.

At the same time, the project will strengthen the role of Moldova as a regional transit country and future logistics hub, including in the context of Ukraine’s reconstruction.

“It provides direct access to the European Union market and an opportunity to become an important player in the process of Ukraine’s reconstruction, through the development of logistics hubs and integration into regional supply chains,” the official added.

Another strategic element of the project is the reopening of cross-border railway connections, including the third railway bridge over the Prut River, which will directly connect Moldova to the European Union railway network.

This will allow the country to actively participate in European freight flows, attract logistics investments and strengthen its position in the region.

The authorities say that the development of railways, especially through electrification and connection to the European network, represents a major structural change for Moldova.

In the long term, the benefits include faster and cheaper transport, reduced pollution and road traffic, increased traffic safety and deeper economic integration with the European Union.

In the government’s opinion, the modernization of the railway transforms the railway sector from an underused infrastructure into a strategic pillar of the national economy, with a direct impact on citizens, the business environment and the international connectivity of Moldova.