Traktionssysteme Austria wins major contract: 328 electric drives for Romanian ARF

PESA trusts TSA: Major deal sealed
The hidden champion and world leader in electric drive development and production, Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA) from Wiener Neudorf, has once again hit the fast lane. TSA has secured a significant contract with Polish vehicle manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz. The deal involves 328 electric drives which will soon be powering trains across Romania. Specifically, TSA’s TMF 50-29-4 electric motors and GMK 2-66-495H gearboxes will be installed in 20 three-car Inter-Regio (IR-RE2) electric trains and 62 three-car Regional Electric (RE-R) trains. It’s as impressive as it sounds! Thanks to TSA’s cutting-edge drives and Romania’s modernized rail network, these trains will reach speeds of up to 160 km/h.

The contract between Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (Autoritatea Pentru Reformă Feroviară, ARF) and PESA Bydgoszcz was finalized on January 30, 2024. The deal covers 20 Inter-Regio trains, including 15 years of maintenance, with a total value of approximately €224 million, and 62 regional trains worth €611 million. Each of the 82 trains will be equipped with four electric drives from TSA. The Austrian company received the green light to supply the drives shortly after PESA was awarded the contract, with the official order placed on March 8, 2024. The first train is expected to be delivered within 24 months of contract signing, with the entire series completed within 36 months. The project is financed by EU modernization funds and co-financed by the Romanian state budget. This aligns with the European Union’s clear goal of creating a low-carbon transportation future across its member states.

‘We are proud to be part of this important project and to contribute to the modernization of Romania’s rail network. Our drives stand for quality, efficiency, and innovation, and we’re confident they’ll meet the demands of the Romanian market,’ said Robert Tencl, CEO of Traktionssysteme Austria.

High-performance Austrian products: TMF 50-29-4 motor and GMK 2-66-495H gearbox
TSA’s drives are true powerhouses. The TMF 50-29-4 motor and GMK 2-66-495H gearbox deliver both power and efficiency. With a 400 kW output and a high-speed design reaching up to 7,200 rpm, these drives can maintain their full performance all the way up to the top speed of 160 km/h. Their reduced energy losses make these systems reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly — a real game-changer for Romania’s rail network.

The new vehicles will feature state-of-the-art technology. The Inter-Regio trains (IR-RE2) will be equipped with 191 seats, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Passenger safety will be ensured through the ERTMS signaling system, including Levels 1 and 2, which provides drivers with real-time track data and signal status, enabling optimal speeds while maintaining safe braking distances. The use of ERTMS Level 2 will also reduce track maintenance costs by eliminating the need for physical trackside signals, increasing operational speeds, and boosting track capacity.

The Regional trains (RE-R) will have 224 seats, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, vending machines, and ticketing systems, as well as space for large luggage and accommodations for passengers with reduced mobility.

‘The collaboration with PESA and ARF gives us the opportunity to showcase our technological expertise and actively shape the future of rail transport in Romania,” said Markus Walcher, Head of Engineering for Design, Gearboxes, and Support at TSA.

Romania’s rail infrastructure: Moving out of the slow lane
Romania has one of the largest and densest rail networks in Europe, with a total length of 19,629 km. However, only about one-sixth of the tracks are electrified. Decades of neglect have left many sections in dire need of modernization, and some routes currently have speed limits of just 100 km/h.

Thanks to substantial EU funding, Romania will soon be eliminating these slow sections and upgrading its infrastructure. TSA-powered trains will play a major role in boosting the efficiency and comfort of Romania’s rail network.