Bulgaria’s rail network is set to receive around 60 new trains by September, starting with a fleet of Czech-manufactured electric multiple units. Transport Minister Georgi Peev announced that an investment exceeding 400 million euros under the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Plan drives the country’s large-scale railway modernization.
Skoda Deliveries and August Rollout Schedule
The initial phase of the railway overhaul centers on 20 electric multiple units built by Czech manufacturer Škoda. Transport Minister Georgi Peev reported that the first 8 new Skoda trains enter service on August 14, with that number scaling up to 20 by August 20 as part of the modernization effort.
This is the beginning of a large-scale modernization,
Peev said, according to the outlet reporting the ministerial announcement.
These first 20 units are scheduled to be fully operational by August 20, according to reporting on the vehicle deployment. They will primarily serve shorter routes across the country. Built for modern transit standards, these trainsets can travel at speeds up to 160 km/h, provided the underlying railway infrastructure permits it.
French Alstom Trains and Regional Naming Traditions
Following the initial Škoda rollout, additional trainsets manufactured by French company Alstom are due to arrive shortly afterward.
The rollout carries a distinct cultural touch. All 20 Škoda trains are named after Bulgarian mountains and peaks. The first unit already bears the name “Sredna Gora,” and the same naming concept is anticipated for the upcoming Alstom fleet as the deliveries continue.
EU Funding, Fleet Gaps, and Next Steps
The rolling stock acquisition is backed by significant European backing. The investment relies on the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Plan, pushing total funding beyond 400 million euros for these transport upgrades.
Even with 60 new trainsets entering the system, capacity gaps will persist. Bulgaria is estimated to need between 280 and 300 modern railcars to fully meet passenger demand, with the shortage of sleeper coaches remaining especially acute according to industry assessments.
To address these broader systemic shortfalls, the Ministry of Transport is preparing a comprehensive analysis of passenger traffic. That study will shape the planning for subsequent stages of the country’s railway modernization.
