Rail transport is our Achilles’ heel. This was stated by Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev during the first rapid question-and-answer session of the Committee on Transport and Communications in the National Assembly. He presented the main priorities of his team’s work and answered questions from Members of Parliament.
According to the minister, rail transport remains the most serious challenge facing the system. Audits are currently being carried out at BDZ, the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) and Bulgarian Posts, and specific data and measures will be presented once they are completed.
In response to questions from Members of Parliament, the minister announced that a review of the contract with the new private railway operator had been ordered. “Bulgaria is an undisputed leader in air navigation services and is among the top three countries in Europe in this sector. The situation is not the same in the other areas of transport and communications. The irony is that Bulgarian airspace is the gateway to Europe, while rail transport remains a major obstacle,” the transport minister explained, adding that he and his team would work around the clock and consistently to achieve the required standards.
Georgi Peev also pointed out that the liabilities of Bulgarian Posts amount to nearly EUR 135 million and stressed the need for restructuring and reforms within the company. According to him, given the important social role of the postal operator, no postal branches are expected to be closed.
The minister underlined that one of the main priorities of the Ministry of Transport and Communications is the timely implementation of projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, including the project for the large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure worth nearly EUR 200 million.
Regarding the development of regional airports, the minister noted that new concession analyses are being prepared to identify opportunities for investment and the development of the country's airport infrastructure.
“None of us is a professional politician. We came here to work. I would be grateful if together we could transform transport in Bulgaria. We are open to constructive dialogue at any time,” Minister Georgi Peev also said.
