Hristo Alexiev: We are working as a priority to accelerate the activities of the project for the development of the city railway in Plovdiv

We are working as a priority to accelerate the activities of the project for the development of the city railway in Plovdiv. This was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Hristo Alexiev after the meeting in Plovdiv with the Regional Governor of Plovdiv Region Angel Stoev and the Mayor of Plovdiv Zdravko Dimitrov. The working meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimir Papukchiyski, the Director General of the National Railway Infrastructure Company Zlatin Krumov, as well as representatives of municipalities and businesses in the region.

"Proper planning of transport infrastructure is key. As the population and investments in Plovdiv increase, so do the problems. Every day people have to travel two hours to work and back. This problem can be solved with the urban railway both as an intra-city transport and as a feeder transport. I hope that Plovdiv will be the first city in Bulgaria to develop the railway as an internal urban transport. The construction of the intermodal terminal in the city is one example of the benefits of rail transport. The terminal already generates 4 times more traffic than initially projected. Last year, 50,000 trucks were put on trains in the intermodal terminal, which leads to a reduction in pollution, easing traffic and preserving the road infrastructure", Deputy Prime Minister Hristo Alexiev said. He noted that within a month, together with the local authorities, the locations of the additional railway stations should be determined, which will ensure the service of the passenger flow and connectivity with the industrial zones.

The regional governor of Plovdiv region Angel Stoev stated that during the meeting it was agreed to form a working group, with the participation of representatives from state structures and local authorities. The main task of the experts is to coordinate the actions of the involved state structures, so that all processes of the realization of the city railway happen faster.

"The documentation for the selection of a designer for the section from the Plovdiv railway station to Filipovo railway station and the selection of a designer and builder for the sections from Filipovo railway station to Skutare railway station are currently being prepared. The activities are within the scope of the project "Development of the Plovdiv Railway Junction, Phase 2", included in the "Transport Connectivity" Program 2021-2027. The project is worth BGN 198 million and is planned for implementation under Priority 4 "Intermodality in urban environment" of the Program", Hristo Alexiev stated. He also pointed out that the modernization of this railway section will allow trains to run at up to 160 km/h. The project includes the construction of new railway bridges in the interstation and over the Maritsa River. New rail and road overpasses/underpasses will be built as well as new level crossing stops. This will ensure the conflict-free crossing of "Koprivshtitsa" Blvd. with three other boulevards - "Peshtersko Shosse", "Svoboda" and "6th September". The implementation of the ERTMS system for signaling and telecommunications is also planned, which will increase the safety of transportation and provide a higher quality of services.

"The documentation for the selection of a designer for the implementation of the connection project between Krumovo railway station and Plovdiv airport is also being prepared. This project is worth BGN 44 million and is also included in the "Transport Connectivity" Program 2021-2027, with the expected speed of the trains on this section being 80 km/h", Deputy Prime Minister Hristo Alexiev also said, pointing out that the railway connection with Plovdiv airport is essential for the development of the airport and the region.