The decision will be implemented through an emergency ordinance, drafted by the Ministry of Transport.
Currently, income from the use fee covers around 35% of maintenance expenses, meaning the state budget will have to provide around 1.4 billion lei (EUR332 million) per year. Infrastructure administrator CFR SA estimates the Government will have to allot at least RON400 million in 2011, in addition to its own income, to keep the railroad network in roughly the same condition as last year.
A ministry press release says the opening of the upgraded railroad segments on Pan-European Corridor IV mean higher train speeds, requiring closer inspections and better maintenance. If CFR SA lacks the necessary funds to keep the infrastructure up to safety standards, it will have to introduce speed limits, leading to longer travel times and delays.