Underground work begins on the subway project in Cluj-Napoca, Central Romania
The city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania's second-largest city and a vibrant tech hub, is now home to an exciting new construction project - the Cluj-Napoca Metro. This project marks the development of Romania's second subway network, following the one in Bucharest.
The construction project for the Cluj-Napoca Metro is progressing, with the recent entry into a significant new phase. As of August 2025, underground works have commenced, focusing on the excavation of the launch shaft for the tunnel boring machines (TBMs). This launch shaft, located near the Teilor Station (Station 2) in the commune of Florești, is being constructed by the Turkish contractor Gulemark.
The launch shaft is a crucial structure for the project, as it will accommodate two TBMs, one for each tunnel, with precise engineering to align the excavation with the planned route. Prior to this, site consolidation works started earlier in February to stabilize the area and prevent landslides.
Despite some government measures announced in August 2025 to suspend financing for projects with less than 30% completion, the Cluj metro project continues unabated. The project headquarters and authorities indicate that construction works are actively progressing underground, with initial major structural excavation now underway.
Upon completion, the first subway line in Cluj-Napoca will be over 21 km long and will have 19 underground stations. The line will significantly improve the city's public transportation system, providing a much-needed solution to its growing urban mobility challenges.
The Cluj-Napoca Metro project, once completed, will mark a significant milestone in Romania's infrastructure development. The project, which has faced extensive delays, causing it to lose EU funding but continue with governmental backing, is now moving forward, bringing the promise of a more connected and efficient city to Cluj-Napoca.
[1] Project Update: Cluj-Napoca Metro Construction Begins [2] Cluj-Napoca Metro: Construction of Launch Shaft Begins [3] Cluj-Napoca Metro: Tunnel Excavation Begins [4] Cluj Metro Project Continues Despite Government Funding Suspension
[1] The Cluj-Napoca Metro project, currently in a valuable new stage, sees the commencement of underground works, focusing on the excavation of the launch shaft for the tunnel boring machines (TBMs).
[2] This launch shaft construction, handled by the Turkish contractor Gulemark, is vital for accommodating two TBMs as part of the Cluj-Napoca Metro project, aiming to improve public transportation and address the city's growing urban mobility challenges.
