The delivery of the new Škoda trains is one of the largest investments in rolling stock in recent decades - amounting to 326.7 million euros. With this, we aim to restore the trust of Bulgarian citizens and all guests of our country in the railways. This was said by the Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov during the presentation of the first new electric railcar "Škoda" for Bulgaria. The official ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Bulgaria H.E. Miroslav Toman, the CEO of "Škoda Group" Petar Novotny, as well as former transport ministers.
“The first two trains have already arrived in Bulgaria, and within days we expect two more new railcars“, said Minister Ismailov and pointed out that according to the manufacturer's schedule, deliveries will continue in stages in the coming months, with all 25 trains expected to be delivered by the end of August 2026.
Minister Ismailov explained that after the completion of the necessary certification procedures, the new trains will begin to be put into operation in stages. “I will be demanding regarding the pace of this process and will insist on its acceleration, so that the new railcars start carrying passengers in the summer months“, he added.
In this regard, Minister Korman Ismailov initiated a meeting with the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Bulgaria, H.E. Miroslav Toman and the management of “Skoda Group“, at which the acceleration of the certification and registration process of the new rolling stock was discussed in order to meet the deadlines set under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Ambassador Toman noted that the outsourcing of service maintenance to Bulgaria will lead to the opening of new jobs for qualified Bulgarian specialists for the next 15 years. The two sides agreed to maintain intensive dialogue and cooperation during the commissioning of the trains.
The delivery of the new multiple unit trains is carried out under a contract with “Skoda Transportation“ and “Skoda Vagonka“ in the amount of 326.7 million euros, fully financed through European programs. The main contract for 20 trains amounts to 261.4 million euros and is financed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and the additional agreement for another 5 trains is worth 65.3 million euros and is implemented under the “Transport Connectivity” Program 2021-2027.
The trains are equipped with modern information systems, Wi-Fi, electrical outlets and USB ports, video surveillance and modern security systems. Full accessibility for people with reduced mobility is also provided, as well as places for bicycles and strollers.
By December this year, the new trains will be used by BDZ-Passenger Transport. After December 13, with the entry into force of the new public service contracts, 19 “Skoda” trains will serve the Western Lot, and 6 trains – the Northern and Southern Lot. The new trains are expected to transport passengers on some of the busiest routes in the country.