Unveiling of the Initial Alstom Traxx Electric Locomotive in Romania Occurs in Bucharest
The Romanian Railway Reform Authority (ARF) has taken a significant step forward in modernising Romania's rail network with the acquisition of 16 new Traxx 3 MS electric locomotives from French manufacturer Alstom. The first of these locomotives was unveiled on August 7, 20XX at Bucharest North Railway Station, marking the first such purchase in nearly 15 years.
The Traxx 3 MS locomotives are equipped with advanced technology, designed for high interoperability, energy efficiency, and long-term operational reliability. They feature a bogie with tubular shaft drive allowing speeds of up to 200 km/h, making them suitable for both passenger and freight services.
One of the key features of the Traxx 3 MS locomotives is their multi-system capability, compatible with all four main European electrification systems. They are also equipped with the Mitrac electronic control system for redundant control, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
The locomotives boast a modular, flexible design, featuring advanced diagnostic and monitoring systems, GPS, mobile communication technology, and Alstom's latest onboard European Rail Traffic Management System/ERTMS. During the testing phase, they currently appear in a temporary blue livery to protect the surface. After completion of the testing program, the final visual dark red coating will be implemented on the locomotives.
The testing program for the Traxx 3 MS locomotive will be followed by testing on TSI-certified lines in Germany. Once delivered, these locomotives will serve several electrified public rail routes in Romania, including Dej-Brasov-Bucharest-Constanta, Timisoara-Arad-Brasov-Bucharest-Constanta, Timisoara-Cluj-Napoca-Iasi, and Iasi/Suceava-Bucharest-Constanta.
The contract for the purchase of the Traxx 3 MS locomotives, including 20 years of maintenance, was signed in January 2024 between ARF and a consortium consisting of Alstom Transport SA and Alstom Transportation Germany GmbH SpA. The total contract value is RON 767.51 million excluding VAT, indicating a long-term investment strategy by ARF.
The event in Bucharest was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, ARF president Mihai Barbu, Alstom's managing director for Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova, Gabriel Stanciu, project teams from ARF and Alstom Romania, members of the press, and other unspecified attendees.
The source of the photo accompanying this article is Facebook/ARF - Autoritatea pentru Reforma Feroviara. The testing program for the Traxx 3 MS locomotive is currently underway at the Faurei Testing Centre in August.
[1] ARF Press Release, "ARF and Alstom sign contract for the purchase of 16 new Traxx 3 MS electric locomotives", January 2024. [2] Alstom Press Release, "Alstom wins a contract with the Romanian Railway Reform Authority (ARF) for the delivery of 16 Traxx 3 MS electric locomotives", January 2024. [3] ARF Press Release, "First Traxx 3 MS locomotive arrives in Romania for dynamic testing", August 2025. [4] Photo credit: Facebook/ARF - Autoritatea pentru Reforma Feroviara.
- The acquisition of the Traxx 3 MS electric locomotives from Alstom marks a significant move in modernizing Romania's rail network, which aligns with the country's growing interest in the automotive, technology, and transportation industries, as well as the finance sector that funds such important projects.
- The deployment of these advanced locomotives, equipped with features such as multi-system capability, GPS, mobile communication technology, and European Rail Traffic Management System/ERTMS, could potentially revolutionize Romania's rail network, blurring the lines between transportation and technology, and opening up new possibilities in the finance and automotive industries.
