site.btaFirst New Skoda Train for Bulgaria Unveiled at Sofia Central Railway Station

The first new Skoda train for Bulgaria was unveiled on Friday at Sofia Central Railway Station by caretaker Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov.

The project for the delivery of 25 multiple-unit trains is worth EUR 326.7 million, of which EUR 261.4 million is provided under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, while the remaining EUR 65.3 million comes from the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021–2027.

Attending the event were Czech Ambassador Miroslav Toman, Skoda Group CEO Petr Novotny, and Skoda Bulgaria Sales Manager Olesea Lachi.

Ismailov emphasized that the new trains meet modern European standards for efficiency, safety, speed and comfort. They have 333 seats, can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, and are intended mainly for suburban services.

The trains offer modern passenger amenities, including information systems, wireless internet, power outlets and USB ports, video surveillance, and facilities for persons with reduced mobility, as well as spaces for bicycles and strollers.

The first two trains arrived in Bulgaria in early March, with further deliveries to continue in stages over the coming months. After completing the necessary certification procedures, they will be put into operation and will serve key suburban lines.

The Minister expressed hope that the process of their introduction would be accelerated so that passengers can start using them as early as summer 2026.

Toman noted that the arrival of the first two trains from Skoda’s plant in the Czechia marks an important milestone in the joint project between the two countries. He thanked the Transport Ministry for its trust in Czech engineers and for the cooperation in implementing the project, as well as the management and staff of Skoda Group for fulfilling their commitments.

According to him, the contract provides that the Czech company will be responsible for maintenance and repair of the trains for a period of 15 years, as well as for training drivers and technical staff, which demonstrates a long-term commitment and trust in the manufacturer.

Novotny said the new train symbolizes the cooperation between Bulgaria and the Czechia and is the result of intensive work on the project over approximately 14 months. He added that the trains are based on a platform used by millions of passengers in various European countries.