This project is selected for funding by Large Infrastructure Operational Program – Priority Axis 1 – Improving mobility through the development of the TEN-T and underground transport, Benchmark 1.2 (OS) Increased mobility rail network TEN-T core. The main objectives of O.S. 1.2: • Finalising the Rhine – Danube railway corridor increasing mobility on the TEN-T network, according to the prioritisation of the GTMP of Romania. Fulfil the requirements for railway provided by EU Regulation no. 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 regarding on guidelines for the development of trans-European transport network: time savings in cover the rail network distances under standard conditions. The project contributes to both OP objectives above-quoted, as follows: • The section Simeria-km 614 subject of this application is one of the last parts of the corridor to be upgraded. The status of the other sections of the line is presented below: O Section Curtici – km 614 is Finalised on SOPT o Simeria – Coșlariu – is a phased project currently under construction – phase II is financed by LIOP o Coslariu – Sighisoara – is a phased project currently under construction – phase II is financed by LIOP o Sighisoara – Brasov – is financed under CEF (works currently under tendering) a Brasov – Predeal – an update of the Feasibility Study is currently under procurement with CEF financing. o Predeal – Campina – finalised under ISPA financing; O Campina – Bucharest – finalised with EIB financing; O Bucharest – Constanta Finalised with ISPA and SOPT retrospective financing. With respect to the interoperability standards set under the Regulation 1315/2013, the project will ensure full compliance with the key requirements, as follows: — Introducing the ERTMS Level 2 (ETCS Level 2 + GSM-R); — nominal track gauge at 1435 mm; — Freight lines at 22.5 t/axle load; — full electrification of line tracks; — length of tracks in stations of 750 m; design speed of at least 100 km/h. The project will contribute as well to the achievement of the relevant programme indicators, as follows: • Indicator 2S2"average travel time on the TEN-T Railway (min./100 km) reduced from 103.4 min/100 km to 79.2 min/100 km. The project will contribute to this target by reducing the travel time on the section Simeria-Arad from 146 min (94.3 min/100 km) to 74 min (47.86 min/100 km). • Indicator 2S4 "Total length of railway lines Equiped with ERTMS (target 2023-141 km). The project will contribute to this indicator by introducing ERTMS on 141 km. • Indicator CO 12 – Total length of railways new built or rehabild on TEN-T network (target 2023-141 km). The project will contribute to this indicator by rehabilitating and upgrading 141 km of the TEN-T core network.