Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

The plans for reduction of passenger carriages along certain railway lines, which was drafted by Holding BDZ EAD, do not envisage the closing of the narrow-gauge railway line Septemvri – Dobrinishte.

We recall that at the end of 2013 the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Switzerland initiated a meeting between representatives of the Transport ministry, Holding BDZ EAD and Zentralbahn AG, which is one of the regional Swiss companies to operate in the canton of Lucerne. The canton is characterized by it tourist-friendliness and there are some narrow-gauge lines that provide passenger, cargo and tourist services.

The aim of the meeting was for the Bulgarian side to benefit from the good experience and practice when it comes to the rehabilitation and development of the narrow-gauge line Septemvri – Dobrinishte.

In the last year the Bulgarian delegation paid several visits to Switzerland. While on their visit to Bulgaria the Swiss delegation, headed by the Executive Manager of Zentralbahn AG, travelled along the Septemvri – Dobrinishte line and visited Bansko where they held talks with the town mayor and the mayors of the neighbouring towns as well as with representatives of the tourist sector.

The Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, the management of Holding BDZ EAD and BDZ – Passenger Services EOOD, and the Bulgarian Embassy in Switzerland devote efforts to the implementation of this significant project since it is not only an important transport section but also a tourist destination, which is part of the comprehensive concept for the economic development of the region. Municipal and local authorities as well as local business are to be actively engaged in the process.