Hitachi Rail Replaces 20-Year-Old Signalling Tech in Romania

Hitachi Rail has commissioned a new generation of electronic interlocking at Ciulnița and Fetești stations in Romania. The two sites are the first on the country’s rail network to use the new ESTW/IXL L90 RO system, replacing technology that has been in service for more than 20 years.

Hitachi Rail has completed two signalling upgrades at Ciulnița and Fetești railway stations for Romanian infrastructure manager CFR SA. Both stations sit on an important European rail corridor linking Central Europe with Bucharest and the port of Constanța. The modernisation included track and infrastructure works, power supply and overhead line upgrades, and new telecommunications, passenger information and public announcement systems.

Romania Deploys New L90 Interlocking for the First Time

The biggest change is the introduction of Hitachi Rail’s ESTW/IXL L90 RO electronic interlocking system. The system entered operation at Ciulnița in December 2025, followed by Fetești in June 2026. According to Hitachi Rail, these are the first deployments of the technology on Romania’s railway network.

The system is based on Hitachi Rail’s Technology and Application System platform and uses the IPR7.0 software version. It replaces the older SELMIS platform, which has been used on Romania’s rail network for more than 20 years.

The L90 RO platform includes several functions that make operation and maintenance easier. A Data Logger supports diagnostics and maintenance work, and a Cyber Security Observer improves protection of the signalling system against cyber threats. Hitachi Rail also says the new platform can be deployed faster and uses less energy than the previous generation. The system should also improve the quality and timing of passenger information.

Ciulnița and Fetești Sit on a Major European Rail Corridor

Ciulnița and Fetești are located on the route connecting Nürnberg, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Curtici, Simeria, Brașov, Bucharest and Constanța. The stations are part of an important link between Central and Eastern Europe and Romania’s Black Sea gateway.

Aside from signalling, the modernisation covered railway infrastructure and superstructure, civil engineering, electrification, telecommunications, video surveillance and passenger information systems. The project was carried out in line with European CENELEC standards for railway safety, availability and reliability.

"At Hitachi Rail, we believe the future of rail transport relies on smart technologies and strong partnerships. We are proud to support the digital transformation of Romania’s railway infrastructure. This project reaffirms our commitment to a high-performing, digital, and interoperable railway system aligned with European standards," said Claudiu Seicean, CEO Hitachi Rail ​ in Romania.