Transport Minister: New Trains Mark the Beginning of Major Modernisation of Bulgaria’s Railways

The first eight new Škoda trains entered regular service today, with their number set to reach 20 by 20 August. This marks the beginning of a major modernisation of Bulgaria’s railways, Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev said as he travelled on one of the first electric multiple units, named “Sredna Gora”.

The presentation was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for the Management of European Funds Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Minister Tsveta Timeva, Deputy Chair of the National Assembly’s Transport and Communications Committee Neli Andreeva, and the management of Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) and the National Railway Infrastructure Company.

Minister Peev stressed that efforts to accelerate the administrative, certification and training procedures had been critical to bringing the new rolling stock into service ahead of schedule.

Together with the forthcoming deliveries of Alstom trains, Bulgaria will have a total of 60 new trains. The minister said this was only the beginning, adding that between 280 and 300 carriages are strategically needed to meet the requirements of the national transport system.

Georgi Peev, Transport Minister: “I want to stress once again that the trains entering service today are far from sufficient to provide a fully adequate service.”

He said talks would be held in Brussels to secure sustainable funding that would turn the modernisation effort into a consistent programme based on a detailed analysis of passenger numbers and citizens’ actual needs.

A comprehensive approach to reform is needed, as infrastructure and rolling stock go hand in hand if the new trains are to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h where the condition of the railway tracks allows it. According to the minister, suitable rolling stock must also be supported by highly motivated staff.

Georgi Peev, Transport Minister: “We have excellent staff and excellent drivers who work in difficult conditions. Professionals are the most valuable people in any system – we need to listen to them and trust them.”

The new trains have been named after Bulgarian mountains and peaks. They are equipped with Wi-Fi, QR codes providing information and modern safety systems. The transport minister urged all citizens to look after the new assets.

Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Prime Minister: “We are investing more than €400 million in new rolling stock. This is the biggest renewal of the sector in the past two decades.”