The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications has selected a consortium led by Škoda Group as the contractor for the delivery of 20 electric multiple unit (EMU) trains.
The consortium's bid, totaling EUR 261.5 million, includes the supply of the 20 single-deck EMU trains, each with a capacity of at least 300 seats. Additionally, the contract includes a 15-year maintenance period and the provision of staff training. The delivery of these trains is expected within 24 months, aiming to enhance the long-distance rail routes across Bulgaria, including key lines such as Sofia-Burgas, Sofia-Varna, and Sofia-Ruse.
Competing against this successful bid was the consortium "BUL20EMU," which includes Alstom Transport SA, Alstom Ferroviaria SpA, and RVP Invest EOOD. Their proposal, however, came in at a higher price of EUR 337 million and was ultimately ranked second in the evaluation process.
The project is funded through Bulgaria's National Recovery and Sustainability Plan, which aims to upgrade the nation’s railway infrastructure and services. This decision follows a series of challenges in procuring new rolling stock, with several previous tenders facing delays, appeals, and cancellations.
As the Bulgarian railway system continues to face scrutiny and challenges in its procurement processes, this latest contract represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to refresh the fleet and improve the country’s rail services. The Transport Ministry's choice of Škoda's consortium reflects a continued effort to streamline these processes while working within tight production timelines and budgetary constraints.
While the timeline for delivery has been shortened compared to previous contracts, the Transport Ministry remains focused on ensuring that the new trains are operational by the end of August 2026, in line with the funding requirements. The success of this contract will be closely watched, as it plays a critical role in the broader context of Bulgaria's railway modernization efforts.
