The city of Cluj‑Napoca has secured a new tranche of European funding for its long‑planned metro system. The contract, signed on 12 March 2024 by the Mayor’s Office and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, covers Component 1 of Line I, the first stage of the project that will link the Florești district with the city centre and major employment zones. The total value of the financing agreement is 10 868 456 068,38 lei (about €2 billion). Of this, the eligible portion is 1 856 780 470,55 lei (≈ €357 million). The difference represents costs that are not eligible under the European funding rules. Eligible funds are sourced from three streams: €1,578 billion in non‑reimbursable EU funds, approximately €241.4 million from the national budget, and a municipal contribution of over €37.1 million. These sums are earmarked for the Transport 2021‑2027 Programme and should not be confused with the overall project cost. Component 1 will cover 17.8 km of metro track, of which 8.8 km are scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. In its full configuration, Line I will span 21.03 km, include 19 stations and a depot. The line is planned to run west‑east across the metropolitan area, connecting residential districts, the city centre and key commercial hubs, thereby reducing traffic congestion and providing a public‑transport alternative to private cars. The project was originally funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The shift to the Transport 2021‑2027 Programme was necessary to ensure continuity of investment. According to the city’s statements, the full line is expected to be finished by August 2032, a 108‑month construction period. The signing of the contract marks a significant step forward, but the project’s schedule remains contingent on the execution of the construction programme, with the first phase’s deadline firmly set for the end of 2029.
Article source: Adev&acaron;rul | Image credit: Adev&acaron;rul