How Have Romania's Infrastructures and Streets Evolved Since the Fall of Communism, Particularly in Bucharest?

Since the fall of communism in Romania in 1989, significant changes have been made to the country's infrastructure and streets, yet there is still much room for improvement. One of the most noticeable transformations has been in Bucharest, the capital city, where traffic remains a challenging issue. This article explores the extent of these changes and compares the current state of affairs with the situation in 1989.

Pre-1989 Situation: A Time of Limitations and Surprises

Before the fall of communism, Romania faced severe limitations in mobility and urban infrastructure. For instance, in 1990, the total number of cars across the country was around 1 million. Today, Bucharest alone sees over 3 million cars daily on its streets, a stark contrast to the past.

One nostalgic anecdote describes how car traffic before 1989 could be so sparse that villagers could play football-tennis on the national road between Brasov and Pitesti. They were even allowed to play for up to 20 minutes without a car passing by. This scarcity was not due to a lack of cars but rather the stringent rationing of gasoline, which was limited to 20 liters per month. Furthermore, an even-odd policy for car usage and a ban on private car traffic during winter months (which lasted three months) added to the rarity of vehicular movement.

Infrastructure Improvements Post-Communism

Since 1989, several critical infrastructure improvements have been implemented. New passages and bridges were constructed, and existing boulevards were widened. Moreover, new roads were built, expanding the network of streets in Bucharest and other cities. This has led to a considerable expansion of the bus fleet, tram, and trolleybus systems.

Efforts have also been made to facilitate non-motorized transport, with several bicycle lanes being developed. Perhaps most notably, the subway network has seen substantial expansion, providing a much-needed alternative to surface transport during rush hours.

Challenges Remain: The Continued Strain on Traffic

Despite these improvements, the traffic situation in Romania and especially in Bucharest remains challenging. The daily transit in Bucharest alone numbers over 3 million cars, which is an obvious bottleneck for the existing infrastructure.

Several factors contribute to this ongoing congestion. For instance, the limited number of entry and exit points in Bucharest has not changed significantly, leading to heavy traffic accumulation at these fixed points. This design, inherited from the Soviet era, exacerbates the congestion rather than alleviates it. Despite ongoing efforts to improve traffic management and infrastructure, the legacy of centralized control and limited urban planning continues to have a significant impact.

Comparison with Pre-1989 Conditions

Comparing the current state of Romanian infrastructure to that of 1989, it is clear that there has been a notable improvement. However, it is also evident that the journey to modernization is far from complete. Most public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and trams, have undergone significant upgrades, albeit with their shortcomings.

Notably, the healthcare system has seen improvements in terms of medical personnel and facilities, although the equipment and technology remain from the 1950s and 1960s. Similarly, educational institutions have seen improvements in terms of infrastructure and materials, making them more accessible and supportive of modern educational needs.

Despite these advances, the lack of adequate infrastructure for such a densely populated city like Bucharest remains a critical issue. This includes the water, gas, and sewage systems, which, despite Ceausescu's rapid construction projects, still suffer from insufficient maintenance and planning.

Conclusion

The changes in Romania's infrastructure and streets since the fall of communism have been substantial, yet the issues related to traffic congestion and limited urban planning persist. While the country has made significant strides, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from a modern and functional infrastructure.