Modern Passenger Rail to Connect Thessaloniki and Sofia by 2027

Greek Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis at a four-party meeting involving Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and the European Commission in Sofia, January 30, 2026 (BTA Photo/Hristo Kasabov)

Sofia,

30.01.2026 12:29

(BTA)

High-quality passenger rail transport between Thessaloniki and Sofia is expected to be in place by 2027, with all necessary preparations and organizational steps already underway, Greek Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis said ahead of a four-party meeting involving Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and the European Commission in Sofia.

The meeting was announced by Bulgaria's Transport and Communications Ministry on Thursday.

Speaking to journalists at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia, Kyranakis said the project marks the first time Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania have committed so seriously to a shared European initiative. The aim, he noted, is to connect citizens of the three countries through modern passenger transport while simultaneously boosting economic growth, trade, and defense capabilities via a strategically important north–south transport corridor.

Kyranakis thanked the European Commission for its coordination and financial support, with special mention of EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas and corridor coordinator Mario Mauro, highlighting their role in advancing the project at the European level.

According to the Greek minister, the corridor will provide a modern and efficient transport link between the participating countries, strengthening regional connectivity while contributing to economic development and enhanced security across southeastern Europe.

/NZ/