The first two of a total of 35 new Alstom trains will enter regular service in early September. Twelve trains have already been delivered to Bulgaria, while the remaining 23 will be ready for delivery by April 2027. This was announced by Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Peev at Sofia Central Railway Station during the presentation of the first Alstom electric multiple unit for Bulgaria. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for the Management of European Funds Atanas Pekanov, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Tsveta Timeva, Alstom Europe Region President Andrew DeLeone, and the management teams of Bulgarian State Railways and the National Railway Infrastructure Company.
Minister Peev stressed that the Škoda and Alstom electric multiple units are the first deliveries of new rolling stock in 20 years. “With funding secured, we have the opportunity to purchase additional trains, which will accelerate the rolling stock modernisation programme. Our team is working around the clock to ensure that the trains are delivered, tested and certified on schedule,” the Minister of Transport and Communications said.
“Alongside the new trains, we need good infrastructure and modern safety systems. We are also working actively to improve security on board trains. A working group involving the Ministry of Interior has been established and will initiate the necessary operational procedures to improve coordination between the institutions,” Georgi Peev added.
He noted that the new Alstom trains should be used efficiently and should also serve longer routes, including the line to Burgas.
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov noted that the project had been at risk, but was now providing an opportunity to significantly improve the quality and comfort of rail transport. “Over the next three months, work will be carried out on the Social Climate Plan, under which Bulgaria expects to receive around EUR 3 billion, with a significant proportion of the funding to be directed towards transport and improving energy efficiency,” Pekanov said.
“This train was delivered in record time and is a good example of how the Bulgarian Government is taking advantage of the opportunities provided by European funds,” said Andrew DeLeone, Alstom Europe Region President. “Each trainset consists of six cars and has a capacity of 325 passengers, is fully air-conditioned and has space for bicycles,” DeLeone said. He added that maintenance would be carried out in Bulgaria at a purpose-built depot, with around 50 Bulgarian engineers and employees responsible for maintaining the trains.
