Major Rail Disruption: Key Line Closed for Vital Viaduct Repairs
Starting today, February 16, 2026, significant disruptions are impacting rail travel between Banu Mărăcine and Malu Mare, near Craiova, Romania. CFR Infrastructură has announced a complete closure of the railway line on the Bucharest – Timișoara (Magistrala 100) for a period of two weeks, until March 1, 2026. Approximately 40 trains normally operating on this route have been cancelled.
Why the Disruption? Modernizing the Cârcea Viaduct
The closure is essential to facilitate crucial modernization work on the Cârcea Viaduct. This includes replacing metal decking, dismantling the contact line, and removing sections of rail. The work involves using heavy-duty cranes to install new metal decking on the first track, while repairs are carried out on the existing structure of the second track.
The need for these repairs stems from a serious rail accident that occurred on the Cârcea Viaduct in August 2018. A freight train entered a closed section of track, resulting in derailment and damage to a portion of the viaduct.
Impact on Passengers: Road Transport as an Alternative
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be transported by road between Craiova and Leu, a distance of approximately 25 kilometers. CFR SA is coordinating this transport to minimize inconvenience, with adjustments made to train schedules.
Detailed List of Cancelled Trains
The following trains are cancelled during the period of February 16 – March 1, 2026. Replacement services or altered routes are in place where indicated:
- 72 SE: Cancelled Bucharest Nord-Craiova (except Feb 19 & 20). Operates Craiova-Arad-Curtici-Lokoshaza. Train 12072 operates Bucharest Nord – Leu Hm, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 1925 SE: Cancelled Bucharest Nord -Leu Hm -Craiova. Operates Craiova-Deva.
- 16013 SE: Cancelled Leu Hm -Craiova. Operates Bucharest Nord-Leu Hm, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 16099 SE: Reputed into service Bucharest-Nord – Leu Hm.
- 1999 SE: Cancelled Bucharest Nord-Leu Hm-Timișoara Nord-Arad. Train 12999 operates Craiova-Timișoara Nord-Arad, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 1825 SE: Cancelled Leu Hm-Târgu Jiu. Operates Bucharest Nord -Leu Hm, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 1835 SE: Cancelled Leu Hm-Teiuș. Operates Bucharest Nord -Leu Hm, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 9901 SE: Cancelled Leu Hm-Craiova (various dates). Operates Bucharest Nord-Leu Hm, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 78 SE: Cancelled București Nord-Craiova. Operates Craiova-Curtici-Lokoshaza. Train 12078 operates Bucharest Nord-Caracal-Piatra Olt-Craiova.
- 16015 SE: Cancelled București Nord -Craiova. Train 16415 operates Bucharest Nord-Leu Hm.
- 1821 SE: Cancelled București Nord –Leu-Arad. Train 12821 operates Craiova-Simeria-Arad, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 12820 SE: Cancelled Craiova-București Nord. Operates Arad-Craiova.
- 9900 SE: Cancelled Leu-Craiova. Operates Roșiori Nord-Leu.
- 11611 SE: Cancelled Leu Hm- Craiova. Operates Bucharest Nord – Leu Hm, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 11613 & 11615 SE: Cancelled Leu Hm – Craiova. Operates Bucharest Nord – Leu Hm, with road transport from Leu Hm to Craiova.
- 11612 & 11614 SE: Cancelled Craiova-Leu. Operates Leu – București Nord, with road transport from Craiova to Leu Hm.
- 11616 SE: Cancelled Craiova-Leu. Operates Leu-București Nord, with road transport from Craiova to Leu Hm.
- 11501 SE: Cancelled București Nord-Arad. Train 14301 operates București Nord-Caracal-Piatra Olt-Craiova-Orșova-Timișoara Nord-Arad.
- 11500 SE: Cancelled Arad-București Nord. Train 14300 operates Arad-Timișoara Nord-Curtici-Craiova-Piatra Olt-Caracal – București Nord.
- 9011 SE: Cancelled Leu-Craiova. Operates Roșiori Nord-Leu, with road transport from Leu to Craiova.
- 9381 SE: Cancelled Leu-Craiova. Operates Roșiori Nord-Leu, with road transport from Leu to Craiova.
- 9386 SE: Cancelled Craiova-Roșiori Nord. Train 13286 operates Leu-Roșiori Nord, with road transport from Craiova to Leu.
- 9016 SE: Cancelled Craiova -Roșiori Nord.
- 9013 SE: Cancelled Roșiori Nord-Craiova.
- 9014 SE: Cancelled Craiova- Roșiori Nord.
- 9391 SE: Cancelled Caracal–Craiova.
- 9392 SE: Cancelled Craiova – Caracal.
Investment in Rail Infrastructure
This project is part of a larger investment in the reconstruction and repair of the Cârcea Viaduct, funded by the state budget. The goal is to enhance safety and restore traffic flow on both tracks.
FAQ
Q: How long will the disruption last?
A: The railway line will be closed from February 16 to March 1, 2026.
Q: What alternatives are available for passengers?
A: Passengers will be transported by road between Craiova and Leu.
Q: Which trains are affected?
A: Approximately 40 trains are cancelled, including InterRegio, Regio, and international services. Witness the detailed list above.
Q: Where can I find more information about train schedules?
A: Refer to CFR SA announcements and modified train schedules.
Stay informed about the latest updates on this disruption by checking the CFR SA website and local news sources.
