The Moldovan government has approved the launch of negotiations to borrow over €76 million from France for the modernization of the Chișinău-Ungheni railway line. The financial protocol with the French government includes a loan of €35 million from the Paris Treasury and a bank credit guaranteed by Bpifrance Assurance Export. As per the terms, 50% of the rolling stock must be purchased from France.
The improved railway infrastructure will enhance rail safety, increase speed, and reduce the duration of passenger and freight transport. In addition, meeting these requirements will contribute to the improvement of national and international passenger transport, increase the market share of heavy rail freight services, reduce road wear and tear, and cut carbon emissions.
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“The railway infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova includes 1087 kilometers of main lines and 668 kilometers of auxiliary lines, and the support from France and ‘Solidarity Lanes’ will ensure the resilience of national railways. In this regard, the modernization of the Chișinău-Ungheni segment is a project of strategic importance for sustainable economic development and the interconnection of the country to the Trans-European Transport Network, as well as for strengthening Moldovan-French cooperation,” said Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Lilia Dabija.
Around 128 kilometers of railway tracks are set to be repaired with the allocated resources, including the Vălcineț-Bălți-Ungheni-Chișinău-Căinari section, with a total length of 446 km. The signaling system will be replaced, autonomous electric systems will be installed, the rails will be changed, crossings will be arranged, and rail network maintenance machines will be procured for these sections.