Moldova's railways: Outdated & hamstrung by war
Moldova's railway network faces a stark reality: much of its rolling stock and infrastructure has surpassed its lifespan, posing safety concerns and hindering efficiency.
While modernization is crucial, the ongoing war in Ukraine throws a wrench in the works, significantly inflating equipment costs and disrupting logistics.
The director of the Moldovan Railway Company, Oleg Tofilat, paints a sobering picture: "The majority of our locomotives and wagons are beyond their operational period. It's a dire situation," he acknowledges.
However, wartime realities present a significant obstacle to acquiring replacements. Tofilat explains: "Financial agreements for new equipment often mandate insurance, and crossing Ukraine with that cargo becomes prohibitively expensive due to the war zone. This effectively puts the brakes on our efforts to procure new rolling stock."
The ripple effects of the war extend beyond just equipment costs. "Uncertainty dominates the local market," Tofilat emphasises, leading to logistical nightmares for Moldovan importers and exporters. With access to ports and international systems compromised, smooth trade becomes an uphill battle.
This news raises concerns not only about safety and efficiency on Moldovan railways but also about the broader economic impact of the ongoing conflict. Modernising the railway network is vital for Moldova's trade and development, but the complex challenges posed by the war create a formidable hurdle.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
