Bulgaria Invests in 35 New Electric Trains to Modernize Railways

Bulgaria Finalizes Deal for 35 New Electric Trains in Major EU-Funded Modernization Push. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Bulgaria has signed a €328.4 million contract with Stadler to deliver 35 new electric trains, enhancing its railway infrastructure and promoting sustainable transport.

Bulgaria Advances Sustainable Transport with New Electric Trains

Bulgaria is advancing its commitment to sustainable transport by procuring 35 single-deck electric trains from Stadler Polska Sp. z o.o., a subsidiary of the Swiss company Stadler.

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The contract, valued at approximately €328.4 million ($352 million), includes a 15-year maintenance agreement and is funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. 

The delivery period for these trains is set at 28 months, with the first units expected to arrive by November 2026.  This initiative aims to modernize Bulgaria’s railway infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and improve passenger comfort and reliability.

Bulgaria’s Strategic Investment in Railway Modernization

The procurement process faced several challenges, including legal disputes and tight deadlines. Initially, Stadler was selected to supply the trains; however, the company withdrew from the contract, citing unrealistic delivery timelines. Subsequently, the BULEMU consortium, comprising Alstom Transport S.A. (Romania), Alstom Ferroviaria SpA, and RVP INVEST Ltd., was awarded the contract after a series of negotiations and legal proceedings. 

To facilitate the advance payment for the contract, the Ministry of Transport and Communications will receive a temporary, interest-free loan of 278.6 million leva (approximately $154 million). This financial arrangement ensures the timely execution of the project without overburdening the state budget.

The acquisition of these electric trains is a significant step towards achieving Bulgaria’s environmental and economic sustainability goals.

By investing in modern, energy-efficient rolling stock, Bulgaria aims to enhance its transportation infrastructure, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a more comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Source: m.novinite.com

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