The Railway Reform Authority (ARF) signed on Tuesday with the Siemens Mobility Association the contract for the purchase of 12 electric trains powered by hydrogen, for a total value of over 1.134 billion lei, without VAT, the equivalent of 229.328 million euros.
Siemens Mobility will deliver 12 hydrogen electric trains. Siemens Mobility’s photo
The contract marks the first hydrogen train project in Romania and one of the first projects of this type in Central and Eastern Europe. The project represents a significant step towards the decarbonisation of regional rail transport and the modernization of passenger transport services in Romania.
The contract includes both the delivery of trains and full maintenance and repair services for an initial period of 15 years, with an option to extend for a further 15 years. The launch of the passenger transport service is planned for 2029.
“Today, April 28, 2026, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MTI), the purchase contract for new hydrogen-powered electric trains (RE-H) was concluded between the Railway Reform Authority (ARF), as contracting authority, and the Siemens Mobility association, formed by: Siemens Mobility SRL, Siemens Mobility GmbH, Siemens Mobility Austria GmbH, as supplier. The two signatory parties were represented by the president of ARF, Claudiu-Marinel Mureşan, respectively by the general director of Siemens Mobility Romania, Emil Gabriel Voinea“, informed ARF.
The financing of the project will be provided by the Transport Program 2021-2027, and the co-financing from the state budget.
According to the quoted source, the delivery term of the first frame is 24 months from the signing of the contract, and the delivery of the entire lot of 12 frames will be carried out within 36 months, to which is added the maintenance period of 15 years. Thus, the first frames will arrive in Romania to be tested and approved in the second half of 2028, and Romanian passengers will be able to enjoy them in the spring of 2029.
“Through this contract, we are not only buying trains – we are changing the direction of rail transport in Romania. Hydrogen trains mean clean technology, efficiency and a concrete solution for non-electrified routes, where until now the options have been limited. And we have enough such routes. Romania is no longer on the sidelines, but is among the countries that are building the future of mobility. It’s a brave but necessary step to demonstrate that we can bring European innovation home and turn it into real benefits for people“, conveyed the president of the ARF, Claudiu-Marinel Mureşan.
For his part, the general director of Siemens Mobility Romania, Emil Voinea, stated that the modern and comfortable trains that are the subject of the signed contract will contribute to the increase and improvement of intercity and regional traffic, emphasizing at the same time that they represent a concrete step towards a more sustainable rail transport, with already demonstrated benefits in reducing CO2 emissions.
The electric frames are composed of two carriages and provide 131 seats. The units are equipped with the ETCS level 2 signaling and safety system, as well as with the national PZB 90 system. From the point of view of passenger comfort, the frames have air conditioning systems, Wi-Fi network on board, 220 V sockets, dedicated spaces for bulky luggage, bicycle spaces, special area for wheelchairs (persons with reduced mobility), specially constructed windows that allow the mobile phone signal to pass through.
ARF emphasizes that, according to HG 1453 of December 8, 2022 for the approval of public service contracts for the period December 2022-December 11, 2032 in public rail passenger transport, hydrogen-powered electric motor vehicles will be temporarily assigned to two of the six rail transport operators (OTF), which concluded public service contracts for rail passenger transport between December 2022 and December 11, 2032 (CSP 2022 – 2032).
Thus, in accordance with the provisions of the Methodology for the allocation of newly acquired rolling stock, the 12 RE-H will be distributed as follows: CFR Călători – 10 hydrogen-powered electric trains (RE-H), respectively 2 RE-H on the route Bucharest N. – Târgovişte, 1 RE-H on the route Pitesti – Curtea de Argeş, 3 RE-H on the route Bucharest N. – Pitesti – Craiova, 1 RE-H on the route Bucharest North – Henri Coandă Airport, 3 RE-H on the route Bucharest North – Pitesti, and Transferoviar – 2 RE-H, distributed as follows: 1 RE-H on the route Bucharest N. – Târgovişte, 1 RE-H on the route Bucharest North – Henri Coandă Airport.
Hydrogen propulsion and energy efficiency
The Mireo Plus H is equipped with an electric propulsion system based on hydrogen fuel cells, supplemented by batteries for energy storage. The batteries are charged through either the fuel cell system or regenerative braking, ensuring highly efficient energy use and zero local emissions during operation. The vehicle concept has been optimized to significantly reduce weight, component complexity, energy consumption and maintenance costs. All key components on board have already been validated in previous Siemens Mobility projects, guaranteeing a high level of technical maturity and operational reliability.
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Mireo Plus H – a modern regional train for Romania
The trains destined for Romania are based on the Siemens Mireo platform and are configured as two-unit articulated frames with a maximum operating speed of 120 km/h. Designed for single-driver operation, the vehicles are bi-directional and ideal for regional passenger services. Each frame offers 131 fixed seats and 5 folding seats, ensuring a high level of passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Trains can run in multiple traction with up to two units coupled, providing flexibility for current and future operating requirements.
Safety systems and passenger information
The vehicles will be equipped with the PZB train protection system (intermittent train control) and ETCS – European Train Control System, ensuring compliance with European safety and interoperability standards. A modern passenger information system will provide continuous journey information through interior and exterior displays as well as automated announcements, enhancing the passenger experience and supporting operational staff.
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Full services and local presence in Romania
In addition to the delivery of the trains, the contract includes a full maintenance package for 15 years, with an option to extend for a further 15 years. Maintenance activities will be carried out locally, in Romania, including in a dedicated depot in Bucharest, by Siemens Mobility personnel.
Maintenance will be supported by Railigent X digital solutions for fleet and maintenance management, designed to optimize train availability and extend the life of components and batteries. The service package offers an end-to-end integrated solution that includes preventive and corrective maintenance, overhauls, full responsibility as Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) and continuous supply of materials, ensuring optimal availability of trains and reliable and smooth operation. By replacing diesel rolling stock, the new hydrogen trains will contribute to significantly reducing emissions and noise in regional rail transport, supporting Romania’s sustainability and climate goals.
Mireo Plus H, together with Mireo Plus B, is part of the successful Siemens Mireo platform, which comprises 24 fleets and nearly 600 trains. The platform stands out for its modern technology, high energy efficiency with savings of up to 25%and the advantages of a standardized platform, which generates synergies and economic benefits.
