The Sofia Metro is set for a major extension, with six new kilometers of track covering key neighborhoods and areas in the capital. This expansion, expected to be completed by 2027, will connect Shipka Street, Geo Milev Quarter, Slatina Quarter, Arena Sofia, and Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., further enhancing the public transportation network in Sofia.
In anticipation of this significant development, the Metropolitan Municipality has unveiled the proposed names for the new metro stations. Each name has been carefully selected to provide clear reference points for the neighborhoods and areas they will serve, ensuring that commuters can easily navigate the growing network.
The proposed names are “Sitnyakovo,” “Geo Milev,” “Slatina,” “Shipchenski Prohod,” “Arena Sofia,” and “Trakia.” The station named “Trakia” is particularly notable, as it reflects the station’s location on Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., a major thoroughfare that connects to the Trakia highway, a vital route leading out of the city toward Bulgaria’s central and eastern regions.
In addition to this expansion, the extension of Line 3 along Vladimir Vazov Blvd. will see the introduction of new stations. The final station in this section will be named “Hemus,” a nod to the highway that runs in that direction, providing a symbolic link to the road infrastructure beyond Sofia. The other two stations on this stretch of Line 3 will be named “Gen. Vladimir Vazov” and “Georgi Asparuhov Stadium,” each paying homage to prominent local landmarks and historical figures.
The metro expansion is not limited to the central parts of the city. In Sofia’s Lyulin district, two new metro stations are under construction and will be named “Tsaritsa Yoanna” and “Struma.” The naming of these stations reflects the importance of geographical and historical connections, with “Struma” referencing the Struma River and its valley, a significant part of Bulgaria’s natural landscape.
Meanwhile, in the Obelya district, a new station is being built and will be named “Pancho Vladigerov,” after the boulevard in the nearby Vrabnitsa district. This station is expected to provide improved transit options for residents in the northwestern parts of Sofia, contributing to the overall accessibility and efficiency of the metro system.
The Metropolitan Municipality has emphasized the importance of public input and clear communication in the naming process. The names of these stations were chosen with a focus on providing intuitive and practical reference points, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to navigate the expanded metro system.
The proposed names are set to be discussed at the Metropolitan Municipal Council meeting in September, where final approval is expected. This meeting will mark another significant step forward in Sofia’s efforts to modernize and expand its public transportation network, which continues to play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
As construction progresses, Sofia residents can look forward to a more extensive and efficient metro system, with the new stations set to transform how people travel across the city. With completion expected by 2027, this metro extension represents a significant investment in Sofia’s future, supporting the city’s growth and development for years to come.