site.btaMain Problem with Large Infrastructure Projects Is Reassignment of Activities, Regional Development Minister Says

The main problem with large infrastructure projects lies in the way they are commissioned and executed, with state-owned entities lacking sufficient capacity often award contracts that are subsequently passed on to subcontractors, leading to higher costs, delays and weaker oversight, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov said in an interview on Bulgarian National Television on Saturday.

According to Shishkov, subcontracting is at the heart of many of the difficulties encountered in the implementation of major national infrastructure projects. Over the years, state-owned companies have been awarded construction contracts despite lacking the resources and expertise to carry them out, only to transfer the work to subcontractors. He argued that this practice has contributed to cost overruns, project delays and concerns over transparency.

Shishkov said the Ministry plans to restore the role of the National Centre for Territorial Development, which was originally established to develop projects and strategic concepts for major infrastructure investments. In his view, the institution has gradually been sidelined and should now return to its core functions.

He added that the state must quickly prepare the necessary documentation for key transport corridors, including detailed spatial plans, technical designs and land acquisition procedures. He noted that the lack of project readiness is one of the main reasons why many important infrastructure projects have been delayed for years.

As an example, Shishkov pointed to the road linking Montana and Vidin, part of a European transport corridor. He said the project could have been financed with EU funds but failed to secure support due to inadequate preparation and the way the contract was awarded.

Regarding future motorway developments, Shishkov said routes of European significance would be implemented through concession agreements and public-private partnerships. He argued that this model would reduce the risk of abuse while providing clearer deadlines and greater accountability.

Commenting on the planned Ruse–Veliko Tarnovo motorway, Shishkov said some sections are ready for construction, while others still lack the necessary plans and technical designs. He described the route as one of Bulgaria's most important transport corridors and called for faster preparation of the remaining sections.

Shishkov said he expects the outstanding sections to be fully designed within the next two years, after which they could be offered for construction under concession agreements.

On the Hemus motorway, he noted that construction of Lots 5 and 6 is expected to move forward, while other sections still lack sufficient project readiness. He stressed the need to accelerate the design work on the remaining stretches in order to keep the project on track.

Shishkov said a full review of construction and cadastral documentation issued in Varna since 2023 has been ordered following the discovery of the so-called "illegal city" in the Baba Alino area, with results expected within two weeks. The investigation will examine all certificates of legal tolerance and assess whether irregular practices became institutionalized. Shishkov argued that responsibility lies with successive local administrations that allowed the development to proceed, describing the case as a large-scale documentary fraud involving multiple institutions. He warned that criminal liability may follow and said the scandal highlights long-standing failures in oversight and coordination, ultimately harming citizens who purchased properties in the affected area.