The Bucharest Brasov railway welcomes a brand new domestically produced high-speed train, the SFEMU-EU01 train, which has been certified and successfully put into operation after many years, breaking through barriers in overseas markets and continuing to shine the overseas reputation of China's rail equipment.

Train operation

Recently, the CRRC SFEMU-EU01 electric multiple unit was officially put into operation on the Bucharest Brasov railway in Romania, operated by the local Astra Trans company. The train adopts a three car formation, with a designed speed of 160 kilometers per hour and a total rated output power of 2200 kilowatts from 8 asynchronous traction motors. Some low floor carriages can accommodate 210 passengers, equipped with multifunctional areas and accessible toilets, suitable for diverse travel needs.

The train is equipped with two sets of signal equipment, the Romanian standard system and the European ETCS, which can automatically switch according to the route. The route operates two round trips daily, departing from Bucharest at 07:44 and 15:40 respectively. The total length of the route is 167 kilometers, with some sections running at a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour. CRRC technicians will be stationed for several weeks to assist local personnel in familiarizing themselves with train operations and maintenance systems.

Deeply cultivating Europe

The train encountered twists and turns upon landing, and CRRC had previously participated in project bidding with Astra Vagoane. However, due to an emergency decree from the Romanian government, it was eliminated and the project contract was ultimately awarded to Alstom. In 2025, the European Court of Justice supported the CRRC appeal, ruling that the relevant exclusive measures only apply at the EU level, but the original bidding results have not been changed. Keywords: CRRC high-speed trains, European rail transit layout

The finished train was subsequently acquired by Astra Trans and arrived at the port of Constanta in April 2024. It obtained TSI certification in March 2025 and obtained market access permission in Romania in June 2026. At present, CRRC high-speed trains, locomotives and other equipment have landed in many countries such as North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Austria, Serbia, etc., continuously expanding the layout of China's rail transit equipment in the European market.Editor/Min Jing