Bulgaria is accelerating the implementation of key railway infrastructure projects with European funding, covering more than 550 km of railway lines. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Lyuben Nanov, at the opening of the conference “Strategic Infrastructure Projects in Railway Transport”, held in Sofia.
“Railway transport is not simply part of the administrative agenda — it lies at the heart of our shared efforts for sustainable development,” said Deputy Minister Nanov. He noted that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has made a clear commitment to building real transport connectivity between people, regions, and economies.
According to Nanov, four operations of strategic importance are currently being financed under the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021–2027. These include the modernisation of the railway sections Elin Pelin–Kostenets and Voluyak–Dragoman, the rehabilitation of the Plovdiv–Burgas railway, and the construction of a rail link between Gyueshevo and the border with North Macedonia.
“Grant agreements have already been signed for the first three projects. For the rail link with the Republic of North Macedonia, the application form is expected to be submitted by the National Railway Infrastructure Company, and the project preparation is at an advanced stage,” the Deputy Minister Nanov stated.
He highlighted that progress in the implementation of the Sofia–Plovdiv, Sofia–Dragoman, and Plovdiv–Burgas corridors is already delivering results, facilitating both business and passenger travel.
“Our responsibility is clear – we must not compromise on quality. We must ensure effective management of the funds and guarantee that every investment is made with people in mind – their mobility, access, and safety,” Lyuben Nanov emphasised.