The Ministry of Transport and Communications has signed its most extensive contract to date for the delivery of new trains. In the presence of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Deputy Prime Ministers Tomislav Donchev and Atanas Zafirov, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Grozdan Karadjov, signed the contract with the CEO of Alstom for Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova, Gabriel Stanciu. The investment, valued at over 1 billion leva, provides for the supply of 35 single-deck, zero-emission electric multiple unit trains.
Deputy Prime Minister Grozdan Karadjov expressed his expectation that nearly two-thirds of Bulgaria's demand for new rolling stock will be met. The aim is to make Bulgarian rail transport more attractive, ensure a cleaner environment, and provide Bulgarian citizens with greater comfort and security during their journeys. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the trains are equipped with the highest level of safety and will serve not only regional routes, but also medium-distance services, with travel times of approximately 4 to 5 hours. Each train will consist of six carriages and offer 351 seats. Karadjov specifically thanked the European Commission for its flexibility, in allowing the first 12 trains – due to be delivered by August next year – to be funded entirely by European financial resources.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov emphasised that in this way the government is not only working to modernise the material base of the railway transport in the country, but is also saving resources under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Twelve of the trains will be financed through the NRRP, with a total value of 363 million leva, while twenty-three trains worth over 696 million leva, will be included under the Social Climate Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria.
"There are complex tasks ahead, involving the project beneficiaries, the restructuring of Bulgarian State Railways, and ensuring the necessary repair capacity and state support for the timely delivery of the trains," Prime Minister Zhelyazkov added. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for a reform of business processes within the Bulgarian railway system, in light of the challenges expected in the coming years.
“This project is extremely important for Bulgaria and for us, as it plays a key role in sustainable connectivity,” said Gabriel Stanciu. He noted that the trains are proven in terms of reliability and efficiency, with more than 4,000 units of this model sold worldwide. The electric multiple units not only offer passenger comfort, but also reduce the carbon footprint, thereby contributing to environmental protection, Stancu added.
