Romanian rail passenger operator CFR Calatori will continue the procedure of launching the acquisition of new trains as „the transport capacity has become insufficient and the modernisation of the rolling stock fleet is a major necessity. We need urgent investments in projects that would increase the quality of travel standards and therefore we need to pursue the objective of procuring new trains. The cost-benefit analysis of new rolling stock procurement resulted in several potential financing sources such as: shareholders’ contribution, cash-flow from exploitation and investments, leasing, rental etc. It is necessary to review some technical aspects regarding the company’s eligibility of accessing the community funds available for rolling stock procurement. The sustainability of a state aid measure that includes co-financing from the Operational Programme Large Infrastructure (POIM) remains to be clarified over the next period. CFR Calatori’s proposal consists in granting RON 2.11 billion (EUR 465 million) from the state budget and identifying other financing sources in the account of under-compensation of public service obligations”, declared Iosif Szentes, General Manager CFR Calatori, during the Railway Pro Technology and Services Forum, organised by Railway PRO, Club Feroviar and the Romanian Railway Industry Association (AIF) in April 2017.
To meet mobility demands, currently, it is necessary to buy over 100 EMUs, trainsets and DMUs so as to ensure the regular train schedule on the main routes in Romania.
In order to encourage the use of rail transport, last year, CFR Calatori upgraded 15 cars, series 2176, and repaired 445 passenger coaches. The company also carried out major overhauls for 40 Blue Arrow multiple units, while other 12 multiple units are still undergoing repair works. Major overhauls were also carried out for 11 electric and diesel-electric locomotives, 5 GM and 1 diesel-hydraulic locomotive.
CFR Calatori’s rolling stock fleet includes 1532 units: 1,050 coaches (950 class coaches, 100 sleeping cars, couchettes, restaurant and bar-bistro cars), 126 multiple-units 68 Desiro, 8 ADM11, other types), 8 EMUs and 348 locomotives (237 electric locomotives and 111 diesel electric and hydraulic locomotives). According to the presentation of the company’s general manager, “CFR Calatori’s active car fleet increased in 2016 by around 20% through scheduled repairs carried out with own-funds. If in 2015, there were 884 units, in 2016 their number increased to 1050 units.
Last year, CFR Calatori carried 53 million passengers, the active rolling stock fleet including 1532 units, of which 1300 daily trains in operations to over 1500 domestic and international destinations. 75% of the total number of trains are dedicated to Regio-type services.
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