Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

The project for the rehabilitation of Ruse-Varna railway line is ready and it is to be financed under Operational Programme “Transport” after 2014. This became clear during a working visit of the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Danail Papazov in the city of Ruse. The project is divided into two Lots at a total indicative amount of about 305 million Euros.

“Implementing the project will result in the recovery of the parameters of the line with the aim being its development as a cargo corridor between the Danube port in Ruse and the Black Sea port in Varna”, announced Minister Papazov. In his words, the line is currently in a poor technical condition and does not allow for high-speed traffic.

During Danail Papazov’s visit what became clear was that another project in the region is to be prepared under OP “Transport”, namely the development of an intermodal terminal in Ruse. About 5 million Euros have been granted under the European programme for the feasible studies and other auxiliary activities and various forms of financing the project are being discussed. Another important project for the region, which is also in progress, is Hemus motorway, and financing for it will be sought after 2014.

Danail Papazov got acquainted with the technical condition of the railway station in the city. The main problem there is that during heavy showers the pedestrian subway at the station gets flooded. “NRIC is ready to cooperate in solving the problem, but we have to act jointly with the Municipality of Ruse”, said Minister Papazov.

The idea for the development of a city railway line to connect the industrial part of the city with the downtown was discussed during a joint meeting with the business, local authorities and MPs. Minister Papazov supported the idea and pointed out that provided there is financing, NRIC will cooperate in its implementation.

During the day, Minister Papazov held meetings with Ventsislav Kalchev, Regional Governor of Ruse region, Dimitar Nakov, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Ruse, visited the port, the premises of Executive Agency Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River, and got acquainted with the progress on the Bulris project. Later on a meeting is to be organized with the Rector of Ruse University “Angel Kanchev”, Prof. DSc Hristo Beloev, whom the Minister will congratulate on his anniversary.