Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

The Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communication, Danail Papazov, had a meeting with railroad officials from Gorna Oryahovitsa and the region. He briefly outlined the rehabilitation programme of the railways in three parts – short-term, mid-term and long-term ones. „Our objective is to make the railways modern, safe, competitive and profitable”, said Minister Papazov. In order for the railways to be stabilized, the first thing to do is to reschedule Holding BDZ EAD’s debts to its creditors. „In September we will hold another meeting with them and together with the Ministry of Finance we will discuss the possible scenarios”, added Danail Papazov.

The rehabilitation programme does not envisage layoffs. “The reduction of staff will be done in a natural way, like for example, there will be no one employed once an officer retires”, said Minister Papazov. According to him the reform is to be done through investment, not through layoffs.

In his speech Danail Papazov emphasized on the improvement of working conditions for all employees of the railways. “The working conditions for everyone employed in this field should be adequate to the responsibility of the profession”, he added. What should not be tolerated is the lack of equipment, necessary for the exploitation activity, and spare parts to repair wagons.

A main priority of the rehabilitation programme is the modernization of the existing rail infrastructure. Repair works are foreseen for the railways section Sindel, the entrance building at Shoumen railway station, the even premises of the rail section Razgrad and Samouil, the pedestrian underpass between the stations of Matnitza and Kaspitchan and the pedestrian underpass at Lovetch station. „After the completion of the repair works the employees will work in improved sanitary conditions”, said the minister.

During the event Minister Papazov awarded outstanding employees of BDZ and the National Railway Infrastructure Company from the region on the occasion of their professional holiday and the 125 anniversary of the establishment of the railways.