Press release - AKTOR Romania, a subsidiary of the AKTOR Group, has activated its fourth tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Brasov-Sighisoara railway project, marking a significant advancement in Romania's railway modernization efforts.

This project is among the few in Europe utilizing four TBMs simultaneously, underscoring its complexity and scale. The initiative focuses on upgrading the Apața–Cața section of the railway, a crucial segment of the Rhine-Danube European Corridor.

The newly deployed TBM, weighing 1,500 tonnes and measuring 100 meters in length, commenced operations near Racoș. It complements the third TBM, which has been tunnelling through the mountain for the past three months. These two machines are tasked with constructing twin 5.1km tunnels toward Homorod, forming the northern tunnel pair. Meanwhile, the first two TBMs, activated earlier in 2024, continue to excavate the southern pair of twin 6.9km tunnels toward Apața.

Each TBM advances at a rate of 10-15 meters per day, operating six days a week with one day allocated for maintenance. This method offers enhanced precision, safety, and environmental responsibility compared to traditional tunnelling techniques.

The Brasov-Sighisoara railway project, with a budget of €573 million co-financed by the European Union, aims to facilitate train speeds up to 160 km/h. This development represents AKTOR's largest ongoing project in Romania. Additionally, AKTOR Romania is managing the restoration of two other sub-sections on the same railway line—Brasov–Apața and Cața–Sighisoara—with a combined budget exceeding €186 million.

Project director Sotirios Koropoulis emphasized the meticulous planning and execution required for TBM installation and operation, highlighting the benefits of this technology in minimizing environmental impact and enhancing construction efficiency.