Passengers in Bulgaria can look forward to a significant improvement in comfort and safety when travelling by train. Škoda Group has won an order to manufacture and supply up to 25 barrier-free electric units, which will replace outdated trains and offer more than 300 seats, air-conditioned carriages, and a smooth ride with minimal noise.
The basic contract covers the supply of 20 four-car electric units based on the well-known RegioPanter type and includes the provision of full service for 15 years. The contract also includes an option for a further 5 vehicles. The total value of the contract including option is more than half a billion euros.
“I am honoured that today, with the signing of this contract, we are taking a huge step towards the renewal of the Bulgarian railway. I would like to thank the team of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, thanks to whom this contract is a fact. I wish the contractor’s representatives success, honesty and compliance with the delivery deadline. I sincerely hope that very soon we will be greeted with more contracts for new rolling stock and equipment financed under the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan,” said Krasimira Stoyanova, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria.
“Our experience in the production of electric units allows us to offer a proven solution that has found its way into several European countries. Nearly 400 of our modern electric units will soon be on the railroads in the Europe,” says Petr Novotný, CEO and Executive Chairman of Škoda Group. “Winning this order confirms that our products can compete internationally and at the same time strengthens our position in the modernisation of European rail transport. Bulgaria joins the list of countries where our trains contribute to the attractiveness and accessibility of rail travel.”
Innovation and proven quality for Bulgarian railways
Škoda’s modern electric units offer exceptional performance and reliability. The trains reach a top speed of 160 km/h and are ready to operate on lines with 25 kV AC 50 Hz electrification. Passengers will benefit from ergonomic seats, air-conditioned interiors and on-board Wi-Fi connectivity. Security will be enhanced by an advanced exterior and interior camera system. The trains will also be partially low-floor to ensure full accessibility for all passengers. For fast, safe and convenient passenger interchange, the trains will have low-floor boarding and 1,500 mm wide doors. The vehicles will also include multifunctional areas for disabled persons, prams or bicycles.
The new trains will also feature Škoda’s advanced digital technology, which will ensure greater reliability and passenger safety. The units will be equipped with the ETCS Level 2 system, which guarantees the highest safety requirements in accordance with European standards.
Modernisation of rail transport in Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s railways will be significantly modernised with a new fleet of electric units. The current fleet, which includes older Škoda locomotives, will be replaced by vehicles that meet TSI specifications and all current European standards, and will bring significant savings in operating costs thanks to advanced technology and lower energy consumption. The RegioPanter type of accessible electric units is a popular and proven model produced by Škoda Group. They are in operation in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Latvia, and have recently been delivered to Estonia, where they have already started trial operation. They offer customers an optimal solution for fleet modernisation in suburban and regional as well as interregional transport. In total, more than 300 of these units have been produced or ordered.
