An agreement has been signed for the delivery of 5 more new ŠKODA electric trains
Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer of Skoda Transportation and Skoda Wagon Peter Novotny signed an additional agreement for the delivery of 5 more electric multiple unit trains. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Transport and Communications in the presence of H.E. Miroslav Toman, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Sofia.
Minister Stoyanova thanked for the extremely quick reaction in seizing the opportunity provided by the contract with the Czech consortium for the procurement and delivery of new trains. "We all know what a great need the Bulgarian railway has for new rolling stock and the difficulties we face in providing it," the Transport Minister said. Krasimira Stoyanova pointed out that the European Commission for the first time accepts the financing of railway rolling stock to be provided by the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021-2027.
"Our proposal is that the additional trains serve passengers on the busy routes in Northern Bulgaria - Ruse-Varna, Varna-Gorna Oryahovitsa-Mezdra, as well as in shorter distances such as Sofia-Dragoman", said Minister Stoyanova. She stressed that in 2026, we will all witness a renewal of the railway stock, providing 25 new electric Skoda locomotives.
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic H.E. Miroslav Toman pointed out that the best quality of trains as provided by the Czech Republic will be ensured. "I believe this deal will enable new modern railcars because this is badly needed," he added.
According to the Chief Operating Officer of the consortium "Skoda Transportation and Skoda Wagon" Peter Novotny, the additional supply of trains is not only a matter of pride, but also an obligation, given the high standards maintained by the Czech company. "I am pleased that funding opportunities were found for this contract and thank everyone who made this agreement a reality," Novotny said.
The value of the new 5 electric multiple unit trains is BGN 127.8 million VAT excluded. The contract also includes maintenance for 15 years and staff training. The new rolling stock has a capacity of at least 300 seats and a speed of up to 160 km/h. The delivery period is 2 years and the funding is implemented under Priority 3 "Improving intermodality, innovation, modernised traffic management systems, improving transport security and safety" of the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021-2027.
