Romania Railways Battle Deep Freeze Amid Delays

Romania is in the grip of a deep freeze, and the country's railways are feeling the chill. Between January 17 and January 21, 2026, the Compania Națională de Căi Ferate CFR SA, Romania’s national railway company, has been operating under strict winter conditions as a nationwide warning for extreme cold weather remains in place. With minimum temperatures frequently plummeting between –20 and –10 degrees Celsius, and persistent frost blanketing all regions, the railway network faces one of its sternest tests in recent years.

According to CFR SA, the company has rolled out a comprehensive plan to tackle the challenges posed by this icy spell. "Our teams are making every effort to maintain the train schedule, but extreme frost may cause technical limitations or require additional safety measures that could lead to delays," the company stated in an official communication, as reported by Radio Iași. The message is clear: while safety is paramount, passengers should be prepared for potential disruptions.

So, what exactly does it take to keep the trains running when the mercury plunges this low? CFR SA’s response has been both swift and thorough. Maintenance crews are working around the clock, constantly monitoring the condition of the rails—a task made all the more urgent by the peculiar effects of such low temperatures. Steel rails contract as the cold intensifies, which can generate mechanical tensions or even lead to cracks. To counter this, teams are out in force, checking the integrity of the tracks to ensure every journey remains as safe as possible.

But that’s not all. The company has also activated heating systems for railway switches. These systems are crucial: without them, switches can freeze solid, making it impossible to direct trains safely through stations and key rail junctions. As CFR SA explained, "Heating systems for railway switches have been activated to prevent freezing and ensure proper train routing at stations and rail hubs."

Another critical area of focus is the overhead contact line—the very lifeline for Romania’s electrified trains. The installations that supply electricity to the trains are under close watch, especially in the southeast where strong winds are expected to make the cold even more biting. "The contact line electricity supply installations are closely monitored, especially due to southeast winds that may worsen cold effects on equipment," CFR SA emphasized.

While railway workers battle the elements, the Ministry of Health has also stepped in with a series of recommendations aimed at protecting the most vulnerable. On January 18, the Ministry issued guidelines particularly targeting the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses. Their advice is simple but crucial: limit outdoor movements, avoid prolonged exposure to the cold—especially for your hands and feet—and dress warmly with hats, gloves, and appropriate footwear. Maintaining hygiene is also stressed, as is a diet rich in proteins, fruits, and vegetables. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, authorities recommend steering clear of alcohol.

These recommendations are not just for general comfort; they’re a matter of public health. Elderly people, those with chronic conditions, and children are especially at risk during such cold snaps. The Ministry urges families to provide extra protection for these groups, avoiding crowded places and long journeys in poorly heated vehicles. Hospitals across the country are being closely monitored to ensure they can accommodate and admit more patients if necessary. Ambulance services, too, are on standby to increase crews and intervention vehicles should the need arise.

For travelers, the message from both health and railway authorities is consistent: plan ahead and stay informed. CFR SA advises all passengers to check updated travel information before setting out. The official Train Schedule platform (https://mersultrenurilor.infofer.ro), railway operators’ websites, and station personnel are the go-to sources for the latest updates. "Passengers are advised to check official sources such as the online platform, railway operators' websites, or station personnel before planning travel," CFR SA said, underscoring the importance of preparation in the face of unpredictable winter conditions.

Despite the robust measures in place, delays are a real possibility. CFR SA has been upfront about this, noting that "extreme frost may cause punctual technical limitations or additional safety measures, potentially resulting in train delays." The company is doing everything it can to stick to the published schedule, but officials caution that severe weather can always throw a wrench in the works. "We are making all efforts to maintain the train schedule, but severe weather conditions may impact railway traffic," CFR SA acknowledged in a statement published by Radio România.

It’s not just the trains and their passengers who are affected. The cold snap is testing the entire infrastructure, from the rails themselves to the electrical systems that power the network. Maintenance teams are on high alert, ready to intervene at a moment’s notice. The company assures the public that "the situation is monitored constantly and interventions are made swiftly whenever conditions require, to keep train traffic safe."

The broader context only adds to the urgency. Romania’s railways are a vital artery for both passenger and freight transport, and any disruption can have ripple effects across the economy. The current cold wave is a stark reminder of just how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be to the whims of nature. Yet, as the country braces for several more days of frigid weather, the coordinated response from both railway and health authorities stands as a testament to preparedness and resilience.

For now, the advice is to bundle up, check your travel plans, and be patient. The rails may be cold, but the determination of those keeping Romania moving is anything but.