Moldova is actively pursuing the integration of its national railway network with the European standard gauge system. Recent technical evaluations confirm significant progress, including the successful operation of a European standard gauge locomotive across the Prut River border, as reported by CFR Infrastructură Iași on Friday, April 10, 2026.
This critical test involved an isolated locomotive traversing the Fălciu (CFR) – Prut (CFM) state border, utilizing the newly constructed standard gauge line on the Moldovan side, stretching from the Prut River bridge to the Prut station in Cantemir, Republic of Moldova.
The locomotive, bearing the CFR Marfă logo, signifies a preparatory step towards the full operationalization of the Zorleni – Fălciu (Romania) – Cantemir (Moldova) railway corridor. This initiative aligns with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Romania and the Republic of Moldova in April 2025, aimed at resuming rail connections along this route.
Substantial advancements are also being created in the rehabilitation of the railway in southern Moldova. Approximately four kilometers of the track have been restored and successfully tested, with authorities concurrently working on the installation of the European standard gauge. This critical upgrade is essential for Moldova’s railway network to connect with the broader European Union system, according to agrotv.md.
Further progress is evident on the Văleni–Cahul section, where reinforcement work is underway. To date, 920 holes have been drilled to depths of up to 25 meters, and about 8,000 tons of concrete have been poured for supporting pillars. These structures are designed to fortify the Prut River banks and safeguard the rail infrastructure from natural hazards, as detailed by the Minisattempt of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
The strategic investments at Cahul and along the Cantemir–Fălciu railway line were recently evaluated by authorities, including Vice Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development. During his inspection visit to southern Moldova, Bolea emphasized the urgency of completing the Cahul wastewater treatment plant, a project vital for providing water and sewage services to approximately 40,000 citizens in Cahul.
This critical infrastructure project benefits from significant co-financing, with Germany contributing 41.5 million euros and the European Union providing 12.9 million euros. The Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development highlighted the project’s importance as one of the largest water sector investments in the Republic of Moldova, according to a statement published by moldova1.md.
Previous technical trials also contributed to the current progress. In December 2025, a successful technical test was conducted on the wide-gauge railway utilizing a ChME3 type locomotive. This test aimed to verify the technical condition and functionality of the recently rehabilitated section, including the Prut River bridge crossing, CFR Infrastructură Iași noted.
The broader context of these developments includes the temporary reopening of the Zorleni – Fălciu – Border line in March 2022 to support Ukrainian refugees. Subsequently, in January 2025, during the QUINT Ministerial Meeting (DG MOVE – European Commission), the complete reconstruction of the line and the reopening of traffic on the Fălciu–Cantemir railway bridge were agreed upon.
These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy by Romania and the Republic of Moldova to enhance cross-border connectivity, support freight transport, and stimulate regional economic development, as concluded by CFR Infrastructură Iași.
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