„Works are progressing faster and trains will run at the desired speed (160 kilometers per hour) in July 2011,” Berceanu said.
Works on the railway, which is part of the fourth pan-European transportation corridor, were supposed to be completed this year.
Asked about debts state-owned railway company CFR has to constructors, the minister said construction works are delayed because of disputes, not debts.
„There are disputes. We (the state) consider they (constructors) are very much behind and they feel we should pay them extra,” Berceanu said, adding the issue will probably be settled in court.
After the completion of the upgrade works on the railway, passenger trains will be able to reach speeds up to 160 kilometers/hour, while freight trains will be able to reach up to 120 kilometers/hour.