Bulgaria-Turkey Rail Link at Lesovo: Boosting Freight & Trade

Bulgaria and Turkey Forge Ahead with Second Cross-Border Railway Link at Lesovo

Sofia, Bulgaria – In a significant step to bolster rail transport connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkey, the two nations have agreed to establish a second cross-border railway link at Lesovo. This development, announced on June 18, 2025, following a meeting between Bulgarian Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov and his Turkish counterpart Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, aims to alleviate congestion at existing border crossings and enhance the competitiveness of rail freight. The decision, facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023, comes as part of a broader strategy to improve transport infrastructure and facilitate smoother trade between the two countries. This article examines the details of this strategic expansion, delving into its planned development, expected benefits, and implications for regional rail transport.

Strategic Alignment and Project Overview

The new railway link, planned along the Yambol – Elhovo – Lesovo – Turkish border – Edirne route, represents a crucial expansion of rail capacity along the Plovdiv – Istanbul corridor. Currently, the only rail connection between Bulgaria and Turkey is via the Svilengrad – Kapıkule line. The impetus behind the Lesovo project stems from the need to reduce the strain on this congested crossing, a key artery for European freight transport. During the meeting in Sofia, Minister Karadjov revealed that Bulgaria is already preparing development options for the new line and will submit them for discussion to the joint Bulgarian-Turkish working group. These preparatory activities include detailed assessments of existing infrastructure, traffic forecasts, and capacity analysis. The establishment of this working group, a key component of the ongoing collaboration, is a necessary step in project coordination and implementation, as agreed by the Bulgarian and Turkish Ministers of Transport.

Operational Efficiencies and Border Procedures

The primary objective of the Lesovo railway project is to streamline border procedures and significantly reduce train waiting times. These operational enhancements are expected to make rail transport more competitive compared to road transport, particularly for freight services. The new line and border checkpoint at Lesovo are anticipated to ease pressure on the Svilengrad – Kapıkule crossing, one of the busiest between Europe and Turkey. Reducing border delays will improve transit times and reduce costs. This is likely to increase the appeal of rail transport for businesses that currently rely on road freight, as reduced transit times and more reliable delivery schedules offer a compelling advantage.

Collaboration and Implementation Plans

The collaborative spirit between Bulgaria and Turkey is key to the success of the Lesovo project. As articulated by Minister Uraloğlu, extensive consultations have been conducted to establish this second cross-border connection. The two ministers also discussed measures to improve the existing border crossing, further highlighting a commitment to comprehensive transport improvements. While specific timelines for construction and operational commencement have not been detailed, the drafting of implementation plans, incorporating infrastructure assessments and traffic forecasts, indicates a well-defined path forward. The joint working group plays a vital role in managing project deliverables and fostering information exchange. Further updates will come from this working group as it advances the initiative.

Economic and Regional Impact

The Lesovo cross-border railway holds significant implications for the wider region. By expanding rail infrastructure, both countries are facilitating greater trade and economic cooperation. This expansion not only benefits the economies of Bulgaria and Turkey but also has positive implications for transit countries in the region. Enhanced rail capacity will encourage increased trade volumes, reduce logistical costs, and provide more efficient routes for goods movement. The project’s emphasis on reducing waiting times and streamlining border procedures further strengthens the attractiveness of rail transport. This strategic investment in the cross-border rail infrastructure is also expected to stimulate job creation and investment in infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The agreement to establish a second cross-border railway link at Lesovo marks a pivotal moment in the rail transport partnership between Bulgaria and Turkey. The initiative’s focus on reducing congestion, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving the competitiveness of rail freight reflects a strategic commitment to fostering economic growth and regional connectivity. By streamlining border procedures and expanding rail capacity, the project aims to improve both countries’ logistics network capabilities and accelerate trade. Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the Lesovo railway link is likely to spur additional investment in rail infrastructure and encourage further cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkey. This collaborative model, focusing on efficiency and capacity, could serve as a blueprint for other cross-border transport projects in the region and beyond, further boosting regional rail networks and facilitating increased international trade.