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The Jiului Defileu railway, planned in the 19th century, saw 28,000 workers mobilized in its final construction phase during the late 1940s. This project, which included 39 tunnels and numerous bridges, became a symbol of communist power. Initial construction began in 1924, but significant progress was made only after World War II. The railway was declared a strategic objective in 1946, leading to mass mobilization of labor, including youth brigades and political prisoners. The project faced challenges due to the difficult terrain and limited mechanization, relying heavily on manual labor. The completion of the railway marked a significant achievement in Romania's post-war reconstruction efforts.