The largest contract to date for the supply of new trains was signed today at the Council of Ministers in the presence of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and the three Deputy Prime Ministers Tomislav Donchev, Grozdan Karadjov and Atanas Zafirov. The investment is worth over 1 billion leva and provides for the supply of 35 single-deck zero-emission electric multiple units. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov pointed out that in this way the government is not only working to renew the material base of railway transport in the country, but is also saving resources under the National Plan for Recovery and Sustainability (NPRS). 12 of the trains will be financed by the National Strategic Plan worth 363 million leva, and 23 trains worth over 696 million leva will be included in the Social Climate Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria.
“Complex tasks lie ahead, which are related to the beneficiaries, the restructuring of Bulgarian State Railways and the provision of the necessary repair capacity and resources by the state, with the timely delivery of the trains“, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov also pointed out. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to reform business processes in Bulgarian Railways in the face of the upcoming challenges in the coming years.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov, who signed the contract on behalf of the government, expressed his expectation that almost two-thirds of Bulgaria's necessary needs for new rolling stock will be met. The goal is to make Bulgarian rail transport more attractive, the environment cleaner and Bulgarian citizens more satisfied with the comfort and security in which they will travel. The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the trains are equipped with the highest level of security and will serve not only regional destinations, but also medium-distance ones, in which the travel time is about 4-5 hours. Each train has six carriages and 351 seats. Karadjov especially thanked the European Commission for the flexibility shown, enabling the first 12 trains, which will be delivered by August next year, to be 100% at the expense of European funds.
This project is extremely important for Bulgaria and for us, because it is important for sustainable connectivity, said Gabriel Stancu, CEO of the company “Alstom“ for Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. Stancu noted that the trains have proven reliability and efficiency. Over 4,000 trains of this model have been sold worldwide. Electric locomotives offer not only comfort, but also reduce the carbon footprint, Stancu also pointed out, adding that thanks to this technology, it contributes to environmental protection.