Bolea: Moldova Railway to Be Divided into Separate State-Owned Structures

The Moldovan government will continue to finance and modernize the railway infrastructure after the reorganization of the State Enterprise Moldova Railway (MR). This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea. According to the reform plan, the company will be divided into two entities: Moldova Railway Infrastructure, which will retain its status as a state-owned enterprise, and Moldova Railway Cargo and Passenger Transportation, which will be transformed into a joint-stock company with state capital, according to Radio Moldova. “Moldova Railway Infrastructure will remain a state-owned enterprise, while Moldova Railway Cargo and Passenger Transportation will become a joint-stock company owned by the state. The founder and owner of these two entities remain unchanged. The purpose of the reform is clear: the railway infrastructure is a strategic asset, and the state will continue to invest in its reconstruction, construction, and maintenance,” said Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, following a government meeting on January 28. He noted that the state budget for 2026 provides for subsidies, modernization, and maintenance of railways. At the same time, the new structure responsible for cargo and passenger transportation will operate as a business entity under the management of the Public Property Agency and provide transportation without changing the form of ownership. Moldova Railway’s reorganization is implemented amid the company’s prolonged financial problems. In January 2026, the company’s management extended the forced leave for more than a thousand employees due to delayed wages. The last payment was made for November 2025. The financial problems of the MR have worsened in recent years due to a decrease in cargo transportation volumes, including a reduction in transit from Ukraine. The authorities hope that the reform will improve management efficiency, ensure transparent accounting of revenues and expenses, and create a more competitive model for railway transportation.