Our country will receive 25 new Škoda electric locomotives by the end of 2026

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Krasimira Stoyanova, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer of Škoda Transportation and Škoda Vagonka, Petar Novotny, signed an additional agreement for the supply of 5 more electric locomotives. The ceremony was held in the building of 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 utilizing the opportunity provided by the contract with the Czech consortium for the order and delivery of new trains. "We all know what a huge need the Bulgarian railway has for new rolling stock and the difficulties we face in securing it," said the Minister of Transport. Krasimira Stoyanova pointed out that the European Commission for the first time accepts that the financing of railway rolling stock will be provided by the "Transport Connectivity" Program 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," Minister Stoyanova said. She emphasized that in 2026 we will all witness a renewal of the railway stock, providing 25 new Škoda electric locomotives.

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic H.E. Miroslav Toman pointed out that the best quality of trains provided by the Czech Republic will be provided. "I believe that this deal will enable new modern locomotives because it is badly needed," he added.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of the Škoda Transportation and Škoda Vagonka consortium, Petar Novotny, the additional delivery 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 opportunities were found to fund this contract and thank everyone who made this agreement a reality," Novotny said.

The value of the new 5 electric trains is 127.8 million. BGN without VAT. The contract also includes maintenance for 15 years, as well as 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 financing is carried out under Priority 3 "Improving intermodality, innovations, modernized traffic management systems, improving the security and safety of transport" of the "Transport Connectivity" Program 2021-2027.