EU backs Romania with 201 mln euro for railway upgrades

The money, from the EC Cohesion Fund, will be invested in the second phase of the modernization of the railway link between Sighişoara in Mures county and Coslariu in Alba county, both located in Romania's central historical region of Transylvania, the Commission said in a press release.

This section is part of the railway route linking the city of Brasov to the  border with Hungary, which in turn is part of Corridor Rhine - Danube of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Following an upgrade to almost 100 km of railways, trains will be able to travel at 120-160 km per hour and the travel time between the two localities will be reduced by half.

"Financing projects to improve rail links in Romania are an investment in the real economy of the region, as it will bring direct benefits to the local business environment but also to tourism, while reducing transport time and promoting green mobility. This project will directly contribute to improving the quality of life of Romanians," Corina Cretu, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, said.

The EU-funded project is expected to be completed in 2018.

($= 0.8483 euro)