The value of the tenders exceeds BGN 576 million, and the deadline for completion of construction is 2029.
The National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) today announced the public procurement procedure for the new railway section from Gyueshevo to the border with the Republic of North Macedonia, which is the only missing part of Railway Corridor VIII on Bulgarian territory. The tender covers the design and construction of 2.4 km of railway line, as well as the reconstruction of Gyueshevo railway station, which will become a Schengen border passenger and freight station. The final 420 metres of the route are designated as a separate lot in the tender because their construction will commence only after completion of the transboundary tunnel. This is the only way to avoid obstructing the operation of the heavy machinery used for tunnel works. The indicative value of the contract is BGN 114 million, and the deadline for completion of activities is by the end of 2028 for the entire section, except for the said 420 metres.
NRIC also announced another tender – for the modernisation of the 17-kilometre section from Pernik to Radomir. The project includes the construction of a double-track railway line for speeds from 160 km/h, refurbishment of stations and stops along the route, and the elimination of all level crossings with road traffic and pedestrians in the interest of greater safety. Its value amounts to BGN 462 million, with completion scheduled for mid-2029.
The two projects form an important part of the implementation of Corridor VIII on the territory of Bulgaria, and with the announcement of the tenders, our country is fulfilling its commitments to the complete construction of a railway link between the two states. At the end of June, at a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of the Republic of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski, Deputy Prime Minister Grozdan Karadjov stated that the construction of the missing railway connection would commence as early as July, and the two agreed to expedite the signing of an agreement on the joint construction of the tunnel. A few days ago, the Bulgarian side received a reply from the Republic of North Macedonia regarding the draft agreement proposed in January this year. The Bulgarian side has no objections to the editorial amendments sent by the Republic of North Macedonia and will propose that a date be agreed for signing the document.
