MOLDPRES INTERVIEW // Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: We want every district along Prut river to have own road bridge within 5–7 years

In the context of intensified infrastructure projects between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, the testing of Cantemir–Fălciu railway line marks a new concrete step in strengthening connectivity between the two states.

On this occasion, MOLDPRES correspondent spoke with Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania about the progress of the works, the economic impact of the new transport routes, as well as the ambitious plans for developing road and rail infrastructure across the Prut river.

The official emphasized that these investments not only facilitate mobility, but also directly contribute to bringing communities closer together and developing economic relations between the two countries.

MOLDPRES: Mr Secretary of State, we are in Fălciu, where the railway line connecting to the Prut-2 Cantemir station has been tested. What does this moment mean to you?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: It is an important moment for connectivity between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, but also for me personally. Today we tested both the European-gauge track and the broad-gauge one. Practically, the infrastructure is ready for the operation of traffic, including freight transport. We still have a few bureaucratic steps to complete for the official opening of the border crossing point, but we want this to happen as soon as possible, ideally before the agricultural season.

MOLDPRES: What are the concrete advantages of this project for the business environment?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: The main advantage is cost. According to the simulations carried out, this railway route to the Port of Constanța is shorter and cheaper. If economic operators have lower costs, then freight flows will naturally reorient in this direction.

It is a project that can change the dynamics of freight transport in the region.

MOLDPRES: You also mentioned other ongoing infrastructure projects. Which are the most important?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: We are talking about a comprehensive program. We are working on four new bridges over the Prut, including Fălciu–Cantemir, Bumbăta–Leova, and Răducăneni–Bărboieni. They are in the feasibility study phase, and the locations have already been established. In parallel, we are modernizing or preparing the reconstruction of key bridges such as Sculeni–Sculeni, Oancea–Cahul and Albița–Leușeni.

MOLDPRES: What can you tell us about the overall development of transport infrastructure?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: We have tested both railway lines between Fălciu and Cantemir with trains of different gauges (European and Soviet), following the completion of the rehabilitation works on this section. The main goal is for goods coming from the Port of Constanța to be able to be transshipped to broad-gauge trains and trucks at the Prut 2 station.

We have a joint project financed through the SAFE mechanism for the modernization and electrification of the Iași–Ungheni railway line. It is a strategic project, because it introduces the European gauge into the Republic of Moldova.

In approximately a year and a half we will have the first electrified section, which will represent the beginning of a modern connection up to Chișinău. Another important piece of news concerns Târgu Neamț–Iași–Ungheni (A8) motorway. The winner for the last lot, the one that connects across the Prut, has been announced, and the authorities have set an ambitious timetable.

We have jointly set a timetable to start the construction works no later than the spring of 2027 for this final section of the A8 motorway, as well as for the intermodal hub at Berești.

Also, within a maximum of two months we will launch the tenders for the rehabilitation and electrification of the Iași–Ungheni railway section, which also includes, for the first time, the electrification of a European-gauge section in the Republic of Moldova.

MOLDPRES: How is progress on the Bridge of Flowers in Ungheni coming along?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: On 26 April 2026 it will be one year since we started the works on this first motorway-level road bridge, more than 60 years after the last structure was built. The works are on schedule as per the contract. On the Romanian bank the metal deck is already being mounted, and on the Moldovan bank the first elements of it are to arrive as soon as possible.

The works are on schedule, with a physical progress of approximately 45%. It is the first motorway-level road bridge over the Prut built after more than 60 years. We estimate its completion during this year.

MOLDPRES: Are there plans to modernize passenger transport?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: Yes, we intend to reintroduce passenger trains, including on local routes. For example, between Cahul and Galați or on Fălciu–Cantemir route, with stops including in Vaslui. These connections will help revitalize the economic and social ties between communities.

MOLDPRES: What is your medium-term vision for infrastructure between the two states?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: We have set a goal to develop a solid network of connections by 2030. Moreover, within 5–7 years, we want to have at least one road bridge for every district in the Republic of Moldova that borders Romania.

These projects are achievable, because we are talking about relatively simple structures, but extremely useful for communities.

MOLDPRES: How do you assess the current relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: After the post-revolutionary period, we can say that we now have the best relations. Infrastructure plays an essential role in strengthening these ties. It is not only about roads and bridges, but about people, economy, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Connectivity creates development.

MOLDPRES: A message for MOLDPRES news consumers?

Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu: Romania will continue to support the Republic of Moldova on European path. Through these infrastructure projects, we are not only connecting territories, but also bringing communities closer together and strengthening a common future.