First European Gauge Train Enters Moldova

 For the first time, a train on European gauge tracks entered the Republic of Moldova. This involved a test run of the Romanian CFR 060 DA diesel locomotive across the railway bridge on the Fălciu-Cantemir section over the Prut River, where dual gauge tracks—1435 mm and 1520 mm—have been installed. The 1520 mm wide gauge on this section was already tested late in 2025 using a ChME3 locomotive. This historic test is a key step toward restoring rail links between Romania and Moldova, improving logistics, and integrating with European networks following the 2025 CFM-CFR memorandum.

The CFR 060 DA is a serial Romanian diesel locomotive with electric transmission, produced from 1959 to the 1980s at Electroputere and other plants (about 2,496 units built). It was used for heavy freight and express trains, featuring axle heating for cold-weather operations.

Bridge and Track Reconstruction. Reconstruction of the Prut bridge and tracks, started after the section's closure in 1992 due to landslides, opens direct connectivity via the Zorleni–Fălciu (RO)–Cantemir (MD) route. This will enhance regional transit capabilities, especially for Moldova and neighboring countries with differing gauges.

Comment from the Institute of Danube Research

The test run of the Romanian CFR 060 DA locomotive on the 1435 mm European gauge across the Fălciu-Cantemir bridge over the Prut marks the completion of long-term reconstruction and dual gauge (1435/1520 mm) installation. This early April 2026 event establishes direct links between Romania's CFR network and Moldova's CFM, following the ChME3 wide-gauge test in December 2025.

In the view of IDR experts, it holds strategic importance for the Danube region. Restoring the Zorleni–Fălciu–Cantemir route bolsters the cross-border transport corridor, integrating Moldova into EUSDR European logistics chains. It will cut transit costs, ease grain and industrial exports, and passenger services, stimulating the regional economy by 15–20% per estimates from similar projects.

IDR welcomes the 2025 CFM–CFR memorandum and calls to accelerate track certification, border control digitalization, and electrification investments. The next step—full freight traffic by summer 2026—will strengthen Danube logistics from the Black Sea to Central Europe.