Bulgaria: Plovdiv-Burgas Rail Line Upgrade Drives Railway Tech Forward

Introduction

Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Lyuben Nanov announced the full excavation of the single tunnel on the Plovdiv–Burgas rail line during an inspection of the Orizovo–Mikhaylovo railway section modernization. The “Chirpan” tunnel, 744 meters long, is part of a larger project for the Plovdiv–Burgas rail line rehabilitation, with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Tunnel Excavation

The “Chirpan” tunnel on the Plovdiv–Burgas rail line has been fully excavated. This tunnel is 744 meters in length and is a key structure within the project. It is designed to provide a direct connection, bypassing Chirpan station, and divert transit traffic away from the town.

Project Details and Timeline

Deputy Minister Nanov stated that the facility’s completion and commissioning are anticipated by the end of 2026. This will allow for faster and safer travel between Orizovo and Mikhaylovo. Trains are expected to run at speeds up to 160 km/h.

Financial and Sectional Overview

The modernization of the Orizovo–Mikhaylovo railway section is valued at BGN 282 million (EUR 136.5 million). Funding is provided through the Transport Connectivity programme. This modernization includes track and catenary renewal and construction, bridge reconstruction, tunnel and dour storp construction, modernization of the track substation at Chirpan station, level crossing removal, overpass construction, and signalling system renewal. The Orizovo-Mikhailovo railway section includes a new double-track railway line of 37 km on Route 1 and 35.3 km on Route 2. The work is performed by SEZP “Euro Railway Infrastructure”.

Funding for the Plovdiv–Burgas Rail Line

The Plovdiv–Burgas rail line modernization is valued at BGN 343.2 million (EUR 166 million), with BGN 274.5 million secured through the Cohesion Fund.

Conclusion

The excavation of the “Chirpan” tunnel is a significant step in the modernization of the Plovdiv–Burgas rail line, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The project includes extensive infrastructure upgrades and is supported by funding from the Transport Connectivity programme and the Cohesion Fund.

Company Summary

SEZP “Euro Railway Infrastructure”: This company is performing the modernization work on the Orizovo-Mikhaylovo railway section.