Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski and the Mayor of Sofia Yordanka Fandakova opened the fully modernized Central Railway Station in Sofia.
Minister Moskovski commented that the railway station is now a unique facility. "In every European capital this building is a landmark. I believe that it will continue to be so." In his words, all efforts this and next year are focused on regaining stability and success of railway transport, thus ensuring its sustainability.
Minister Ivaylo Moskovski said that thanks to the team of NRIC, the contractors, MTITC, the overall assistance of the Mayor of Sofia - Yordanka Fandakova and the good partnership with the trade unions this project is completed.
The site "Rehabilitation of Sofia Central railway station" is part of the project "Rehabilitation of railway stations along the TEN-T network - "Rehabilitation of Sofia Central railway station", “Rehabilitation of Bourgas passenger railway station”, " Reconstruction and remediation of Pazardzhik railway station – Lot II." Contractor of the project is ZZD Association “Alliance GBS – Sofia Central Railway Station." The contract value amounts over 62 million levs, VAT excluded.
The railway station is thoroughly rehabilitated. All standards and requirements for energy efficiency are fulfilled. To all levels of the railway station will be provided access for individuals of reduced mobility. In the modernized building there are a playground for children, a waiting room for disabled persons, a single centre for train traffic management, a multipurpose hall, restaurants and fast food area. Easy access and orientation to the main functional parts of the railway station and links between different modes of public transport are provided. A new CCTV system with continuous monitoring and control to ensure a safe environment for the passengers on the territory of the station is installed. To all publicly accessible areas is provided access and are placed information boards for people with disabilities. There are new soundnotification and information systems for passengers.
The rehabilitation of the Sofia Central railway station is carried out with financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through Operational Programme on "Transport" 2007-2013.
