Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear railway workers, colleagues and friends,
It is an honour for me to extend my greetings to you on the occasion of Railway Workers’ Day – the celebration of those who, with diligence, professionalism and quiet dedication, maintain one of the most important links in our economy and society – the Bulgarian railway.
It is no coincidence that we mark this day at the beginning of August – the month in which, 137 years ago, Bulgaria took a great step towards connectivity with its neighbours and the world through the inauguration of the Tsaribrod–Sofia–Belovo line for international transport. In the same year, the state acquired the Ruse–Varna line – the first in the country – thus laying the foundations of the Bulgarian State Railways.
But the history of our railways is measured not only in kilometres of track and timetables. It is measured in human destinies, in generations of professionals who have dedicated their lives to a mission that is often invisible, yet vital – to connect, to ensure movement, to be at the service of others. Behind every train stand people. People who, early in the morning, late in the evening and even at night, in scorching heat or darkness, under all conditions, ensure the safety, punctuality and reliability of railway transport.
Very often, absorbed in our daily routines, we fail to realise how much effort lies behind a simple train journey. Today is Railway Workers’ Day, and it is a moment when we should openly thank all those who take on the huge responsibility for the lives and safety of passengers every day. They remain at their posts despite bearing the brunt of passengers’ daily dissatisfaction over problems in BDZ and NRIC that have been swept under the carpet for years – old and worn-out carriages, dilapidated and often malfunctioning locomotives, numerous repairs on the network and the resulting delays… and despite a shortage of resources, low pay and difficult working conditions. These are all issues that are not the fault of the railway workers.
Discussions about the future of rail transport in our country often come down to money – equipment, repairs, projects. But let us be honest: whatever investments we make, without the professionalism and dedication of the people in the system, railway transport cannot exist, let alone develop. People are the greatest asset of BDZ and NRIC.
I have had the honour of meeting many of you personally and have been deeply impressed by the passion with which you speak about your work, about the future of the railway, about how it can and must be a driving force for modern, environmentally friendly and efficient mobility. I am yet to meet many more of you – but I believe they too are equally dedicated, equally professional and equally committed to building something meaningful.
Today, as Europe and the world seek green solutions and sustainable transport, the railway system is once again taking centre stage. Our shared task is to make it faster, safer, more modern and more accessible. As Minister of Transport and Communications, I declare that the efforts for modernisation, digitalisation and investment in human capital will remain a key priority. I will do everything within my power, and that of the institutions, to realise one of our shared dreams – to have fast, safe, comfortable and sustainable railway transport, worthy of the people who maintain it.
Dear railway workers,
Thank you – for the night shifts, for your determination in difficult moments, for not giving up. For carrying your profession with honour – today, as 137 years ago..
Happy holiday, dear railway workers!
Be healthy, confident and proud of your work. I wish you new horizons – on sustainable tracks, with a clear direction and human dignity.