SOFIA — Bulgaria is set to enhance its rail infrastructure with the procurement of five additional electric trains from Skoda, announced Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova at a recent meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the “Transport Connectivity” Program 2021-2027.
This purchase builds upon an existing contract for 20 electric train units, marking a significant investment in modernizing Bulgaria’s transportation network.
During the meeting held in Sofia, Minister Stoyanova expressed optimism about the timely arrival of the new trains, alluding to previous delivery delays.
“I hope the next ones don’t come in 100 years,” she remarked, underlining the importance of expediting this project.
Notably, this initiative represents the first instance of new railway rolling stock being financed through the “Transport Connectivity” Program, a European Union-backed effort to enhance transport infrastructure across Bulgaria.
Stoyanova further elaborated that recent negotiations with the European Commission have paved the way for incorporating the project to acquire new trains into the revised “Transport Connectivity” Program 2021-2027.
She emphasized the significance of building a safe, sustainable, and modern transport network, noting that a well-developed infrastructure will benefit both local and regional communities by improving connectivity and service quality.
“The Transport Connectivity Program 2021-2027 aligns with our goal of strengthening Bulgaria’s position as a vital link within Europe’s transport corridors,” Stoyanova added.
She acknowledged the need to overcome delays and strengthen the administrative capacity necessary for effective management of such large-scale projects.
Her remarks come as Bulgaria continues to invest in major infrastructure projects aimed at promoting interconnectivity and sustainability.
In addition to the Skoda trains, the Transport Connectivity Program currently has nine active initiatives under the 2021-2027 framework, eight of which have already commenced.
These projects encompass rail and road infrastructure, intermodal transport systems, innovation in traffic management, and broader improvements to traffic systems.
Key infrastructure projects slated for implementation within this program period include the second phases of the “Plovdiv – Burgas” and “Voluyak – Dragoman” rail segments, as well as the construction of the “Ruse – Veliko Tarnovo” highway.
Moreover, the program includes the ambitious plan to complete Bulgaria’s first high-speed railway, scheduled for completion by 2027.
The previous EU-backed operational program, “Transport and Transport Infrastructure” 2014-2020, has seen remarkable success, with a financial execution rate of 99.4%.
Stoyanova confirmed that all final payment requests under this program have been reviewed, setting a solid precedent for the new Transport Connectivity Program.
This latest investment in Bulgaria’s rail network signals a renewed commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure and aligns with the country’s long-term goals for sustainable development.
As the program moves forward, officials hope that the new trains from Skoda, combined with other infrastructure enhancements, will usher in a new era of efficient and environmentally friendly transportation across Bulgaria.