A document of this kind has been developed for the first time in Moldova and was presented on March 24 at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
The initiative, implemented with the support of the European Union and international experts, aims at modernizing the management of road traffic and infrastructure by 2040, which will allow Moldova to approach European standards of mobility, efficiency and road safety, the ministry said.
Among the immediate benefits are providing drivers with real-time information on weather and road conditions, optimizing the operation of intelligent traffic lights and traffic flows.
These measures will reduce travel time by up to 25% in urban areas and on major highways. The system will also significantly improve road safety through enhanced video surveillance at intersections and enable predictive maintenance of roads and bridges, preventing degradation of national infrastructure.
Harmonization of legislation with the EU
“We are developing tools for all public entities to be able to intervene effectively when necessary. The number one priority is the transposition process of the acquis communautaire. The European legislation implies a different security level and a different living standard for Moldovan citizens, which we will build together, here at home,” Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolia said.
At the same time, the minister stressed that the implementation of the intelligent transport systems will start this year with the adoption of the relevant legislation and the launch of the first pilot project on the Chisinau-Leuseni highway. After this initial stage, the system will be gradually expanded at the national level.
In addition, thanks to European funding mechanisms, such as the CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) program, Moldova will benefit from major investments. These include the reconstruction and electrification of the first railroad section on the Iasi-Ungheni segment and the connection of the Chisinau International Airport with the European rail and road network.
Unified standards and safety
A consortium of expert consultants participated in the elaboration of the National ITS Strategy, emphasizing that the document represents a coherent national architecture. The transition to the digitalization of transport involves the transposition of more than 40 European legislative acts and regulations. At the same time, the strategy proposes the creation of a national body in charge of coordinating and managing intelligent transport systems, as well as a plan to strengthen the institutional capacity required for the operation of these new technologies.
EU Transport Community Director Matej Zakoszek welcomed Moldova’s efforts, noting that the focus on interconnected, predictable and safe transport eliminates differences in standards between Moldova and EU member states, facilitating trade, tourism and labor mobility: “Moldova is now an integral part of European transport networks,” he stressed.
