For the first time since 2003, when 120 Siemens Desiro trains were purchased, the Romanian state-owned rail passenger operator, CFR Călători, intends to buy new diesel multiple units.
Under the first phase, the tender envisages the procurement of one DMU, with a possibility for 10 additional units. Currently, the tender is under approval process before being published in the electronic public procurement system.
Under the tender, EUR 3.9 million is the estimated value for one DMU, and, including the additional units, the value reaches EUR 39 million (RON 185 million). It is expected that the new units will enter passenger services on short and medium distance routes.
If a multiple unit is made up of four cars, the resulting unit price is under EUR 1 million, less than a classic car, without engine. The contract will be initially concluded for one year, with a four-year extension, under the additional train procurement option.
Modern DMUs to be purchased
The DMUs will be equipped with ergonomic seats, padded with fireproof material, wear- and vandalism-proof, with folding headrests and armrests. The new cars will be featured with special places for standing areas, for oversized luggages, bicycles and skis. The trains will be also adapted to passengers with reduced mobility.
They will be equipped with passenger information systems, which will provide information about the next stop, the journey-time, as well as weather-related information. Sockets for mobile phone and laptop will be also installed.
The exterior of each car will be fitted with electronic displays providing information relating to train type and car-number, as well as its destination/ departure and arrival stations. Side windows will be fitted with secured glass with up to 65-70% sunlight absorption capacity.
According to CFR Călători, this public procurement procedure is essential as, since 2012, the Romanian government did not provided investments for the procurement or modernisation of its rolling stock fleet. The modernised or upgraded passenger cars and trains were funded through operator’s own funds.
The company’s officials say that the quality of the services provided has decreased due to continuous reduction in the number of rolling stock units.
In addition, the tender highlights that the rolling stock obsolescence and the low quality of the railway infrastructure are reflected in the decline of Romanian railway sector.
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