The Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Lyuben Nanov, opened an exhibition and forum entitled “Along the Path of the Narrow-Gauge Railway” at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG). The initiative aims to highlight the historical and cultural value of the Septemvri – Dobrinishte narrow-gauge railway, as well as to explore opportunities for its future development as an important tourist and cultural route
“Today we are gathered not merely to talk about a railway,” said Deputy Minister Nanov. “We are here to speak about the memory and the future, about the connection between people and the mountains, about that fine steel line which, for nearly a century, has traced a path through the Rhodope, Rila and Pirin mountains.” He added that the narrow-gauge railway is not just a means of transport, but a part of Bulgaria’s history, written along the rails through human labour and engineering ingenuity.
Lyuben Nanov stated that the Ministry of Transport and Communications firmly supports efforts to create a long-term development concept for the line, bringing together the expertise of professionals and the energy of local communities. “Our mission is clear – to ensure that the Septemvri – Dobrinishte line remains alive, maintained and cherished, to be an example of how tradition and modernity can run on the same track,” he emphasised.
The event brought together representatives of academia, local authorities, experts in transport and cultural heritage, as well as enthusiasts of mountain railways. The initiative “Along the Path of the Narrow – Gauge Railway” is organised by the Transformatori Association, and the exhibition will be open to visitors until 8 November 2025 at UACEG.
