Rail transport in the Republic of Moldova continues to decline. In the first nine months of 2025, Moldovan Railways (CFM) transported just 232.7 thousand passengers — a drop of 49.2% compared to the same period last year. Passenger-kilometres decreased by 34.9%.
Freight transport is also under pressure. Although railways still account for 13.4% of the country’s total freight volume, transported goods fell by 1.3%, while freight-kilometres declined by 2.4%.
According to CFM, all 1,300 wagons remain operational, and the company’s 12 locomotives are still in service on the national rail network. Nevertheless, financial difficulties are deepening. In 2024, the enterprise posted losses of 228 million lei, and the continued downturn in traffic is further undermining revenues.
The crisis has also resulted in salary arrears exceeding 100 million lei, though authorities say delays have been reduced from nine months to four.
To lower expenses, the company has undergone restructuring. In September, staff numbers were reduced from 5,900 to 3,700 — a 37.3% cut — largely through the elimination of auxiliary positions and retirements. Consequently, CFM’s monthly wage fund decreased from 43 million to 35 million lei.