The Minister of Transport and Communications, Georgi Peev, requested detailed reports on railway safety during an emergency meeting with the management of the State Enterprise National Railway Infrastructure Company, BDZ Holding EAD, and the Executive Agency "Railway Administration." The meeting was prompted by yesterday’s incident, in which two railroad crossings in the Gorna Oryahovitsa area experienced malfunctions.
During the meeting, Minister Peev instructed that detailed reports be submitted shortly on current safety measures, the results of audits at the European, international, and national levels, as well as a comprehensive review of all recommendations from previous inspections that have not yet been implemented. He also demanded specific proposals for improving safety with clear and realistic deadlines for implementation.
"I do not want piecemeal actions and explanations after every subsequent incident. A comprehensive approach, coordination among institutions, and clear accountability for the implementation of the measures are necessary," stated Minister Peev.
Regarding the explanations that the cause of the incident was a broken cable, as well as the fact that some of the equipment is over 40 years old, the minister stressed that such arguments cannot serve as an excuse for systemic weaknesses.
"Safety must come first in any system, followed by modernisation. Millions are being invested in the railway infrastructure, yet in some places outdated systems and technologies are still in use," said Georgi Peev.
He was adamant that the practice of launching projects without the necessary design readiness must be stopped, as this creates a risk of delays, inefficient spending of public funds, and compromises to safety.
