Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

The construction of a modern, safe and interoperable railway system is a top priority in our national transport policy, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Anton Ginev addressed the participants in the "Railway Forum 2015" on "Innovation in railway infrastructure".

Our efforts are focused on the implementation of mechanisms and solutions to enable sustainable development of the railway sector, stimulating innovative thinking and new initiatives and opportunities, added Mr. Ginev.

In his words, the new infrastructure projects are being implemented with funds from the OPT and OPTTI and will enable the implementation of technical specifications for interoperability in the transport of passengers and cargo. This will give an opportunity to maintain and expand the market share of rail transport, as well as to attract new international cargo traffic. In the meantime, this intensive program for overcoming the lag Bulgaria is experiencing compared to the leading countries in the EU is an opportunity to develop the scientific and technological potential in the country.

Deputy Minister Ginev commented that another important aspect of high technology in rail transport is the implementation of solutions to reduce harmful impact on the environment. Bulgarian railway system is part of Europe’s railway system and as such it shall meet the highest quality standards laid in the European and Bulgarian legislation.

In conclusion, Anton Ginev informed that overall progress in the field of construction and interoperability in rail transport will encourage the further development of the European market for rail transport services and will ultimately increase the competitiveness of rail transport compared to other modes of transport.

The forum is organized by the National Society of Railway Engineers Association, Scientific and Technical Union of Transport, the Federation of Scientific and Technical Unions in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Association for Consulting Companies in Railway Construction and the Institute of Mechanics - BAS.

The event takes place today - 10/22/2015, at Grand Hotel Sofia.