The Bihor County Council has signed the financing contract from European funds for the Tram-train project, the largest investment carried out to date at the institution level.
The total value of the project amounts to over 1.43 billion lei (approximately 280.6 million euros), of which the Bihor County Council’s contribution is 55 million lei, and the rest, over 1.37 billion lei, represents European funding, according to Transilvania Business.
The Tram-train project aims to create a modern connection between the municipality of Oradea and the localities in the metropolitan area, by capitalizing on the existing railway infrastructure and integrating it with the tram network.
The new transport system will facilitate daily travel for thousands of people – from commuters and students, to those who come to the city for medical services or for access to the airport and nearby resorts.
“The Tram-Train Project offers people a simpler, faster and more civilized way to travel,” said Mircea Mălan, president of the Bihor County Council.
The project is structured in two main directions.
The first component aims at developing the infrastructure. This includes the modernization and electrification of the railway lines on the Oradea – Băile Felix – Cordău and Oradea – Toboliu routes, establishing connections with the tram network in Oradea, as well as its extension to Borș and to Oradea Airport. For these works, the execution tender is to be launched.
The second component involves the acquisition of rolling stock. The Bihor County Council has already started the procedure for the purchase of 14 tram-train vehicles, capable of operating on both tram and railway lines.
The new transport network will have a total length of 33.4 kilometers, of which 24.2 kilometers represent railway lines that will be rehabilitated and electrified.
The routes will ensure important connections between Oradea and several key points in the area: Oradea Airport, Sânmartin – Băile 1 Mai – Băile Felix (Cordău), Borș – Industrial Park and Sântandrei – Girișu de Criș – Toboliu – Cheresig.
The project also includes the development of 27 stations, as well as related works necessary for the efficient operation of the entire system.
The project is implemented in partnership between the Bihor County Council, Oradea City Hall, Oradea Local Transport, Oradea Metropolitan Area Association and the Oradea Local Development Agency.
In parallel, road investments are also being carried out that support the development of the network. An example is the road overpass on the Oradea Ring Road, over the Oradea – Băile Felix railway, already under construction, which will contribute to streamlining traffic with the introduction of the Tram-train.