Since June, direct passenger trains between Bulgaria and Ukraine have been departing via Romania. The three countries agreed on the main parameters of the service at a meeting today in Ruse.
The initiative was discussed at the beginning of the week in Kiev between Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov and Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and Minister of Community and Territory Development Oleksiy Kuleba.
The meeting today was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Murad Turk, Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Balesta, representatives of the railway enterprises of Bulgaria, Ukraine and Romania, as well as Border Police – Ruse.
The passenger rail connection will be launched initially as a seasonal service in June, July and August and will run daily on the Kiev-Bucharest-Ruse-Varna route and vice versa. In this way, the line will rank among the longest railway routes in Europe. During the first 3 months, the load on the line will be assessed and if successful, it can become year-round.
"The railway connection with Ukraine is an opportunity to improve transport connectivity and expand logistics routes in Eastern and South eastern Europe. It will help deepen the tourist, cultural and social ties between our countries and promote our economic cooperation, "Deputy Minister Turk said.
He pointed out that the pricing of tickets remains to be negotiated, and discussions will continue at subsequent meetings. "This will happen in a short time, so as to achieve a balanced solution that satisfies all participants," the Deputy Transport Minister added.
The representatives of the Railway Administration Executive Agency, BDZ-Passenger Services EOOD and the National Railway Infrastructure Company confirmed that they have the necessary capacity and technical readiness to restore the railway connection.
