SOFIA, BULGARIA — In a significant development for the Sofia Metro, five new stations will be added to the existing line, extending from the Vitosha metro station to the “Studentski Grad” district.
This expansion, announced recently, marks a major investment in the city’s public transportation infrastructure, with an estimated cost of 1.9 million leva excluding VAT. The selected contractor will be tasked with completing the project within 18 months.
The new extension will cover a distance of 5 kilometers and incorporate various advanced infrastructure elements, including a tunnel section, a start and exit shaft for a tunnel boring machine, and a trapezoidal shaft for a potential future deviation towards the “Simeonovo” lift station.
This comprehensive plan is designed to enhance connectivity and ease the daily commute for thousands of residents.
Initially, a preliminary draft of the Public Urban Plan (PUP) adopted in July last year proposed three new metro stations. However, the plan has been updated to include five stations, reflecting the city’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its metro network.
The new extension will begin at “Cherni Vrah” Blvd., extending from the “Vitosha” metro station, and will traverse the “Krastova Vada” district, proceeding through “Simeonovsko Shose” Blvd., with a planned detour to the lift station.
The planned metro stations are strategically located to serve key intersections and busy areas, enhancing accessibility and convenience for commuters. The stations are as follows:
- Station 1: Intersection of “Cherni Vrah” Blvd. and “Dimitar Manchev” St.
- Station 2: Intersection of “Prof. Vasil Arnaudov” and “Stefan Savov” Streets
- Station 3: Intersection of “Simeonovsko Shose” Blvd. and “Prof. Dr. Iv. Foreign”
- Station 4: Intersection of “Acad. Stefan Mladenov” and “Prof. Atanas Ishirkov”
- Station 5: Intersection of “Acad. Blvd. Stefan Mladenov,” “8th December” Street, and “Doctor Yordan Yosifov” Street
Each planned platform will be 105 meters long and up to 5 meters wide, with provisions for necessary electricity, plumbing, and other facilities to ensure they meet modern standards of safety and comfort.
Notably, an underground parking lot will be featured at the third metro station, further enhancing the utility of the new stations.
This expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance the Sofia Metro network. Currently, the metro system is also extending the third line to “Tsarigradsko Shose,” a 6-kilometer section with six new stations expected to be completed by 2026.
Additionally, construction of an intermediate station between “Obelya” and “Slivnitsa” is underway, and the expansion to “Levski G” is progressing smoothly.
The planned expansion and ongoing projects underscore Sofia’s commitment to developing a modern, efficient, and accessible public transportation system.
As the city continues to grow, these enhancements to the metro network are crucial for supporting increased mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable urban development.
Residents and commuters eagerly anticipate the completion of these projects, which promise to transform the daily commute and improve the overall quality of life in Sofia.
With the new stations and extensions in place, the Sofia Metro will be better equipped to serve the needs of the city’s growing population and support its economic and social development goals.