Škoda to Deliver New Trains to Bulgaria in €500m Order

The order will include an initial 20 four-car Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) based on Škoda’s RegioPanter model, along with full-service maintenance for 15 years, and options for an additional five vehicles and maintenance services.

These new trains will replace outdated rolling stock on Bulgaria’s rail network with modern, more accessible units featuring air conditioning and designs aimed at reducing noise during travel.

Bulgarian Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova described the contract as a “significant step towards the renewal of the Bulgarian railway.”

Stoyanova remarked, “I sincerely hope that we will soon see more contracts for new rolling stock and equipment financed under the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan.”

The new trains will operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h and will be compatible with lines electrified at 25kV AC 50Hz, accommodating over 300 passengers and featuring low-floor boarding for enhanced accessibility.

Škoda stated that the units will also be equipped with ETCS Level 2 systems to improve safety on Bulgaria’s rail network, ensuring compliance with the latest European standards.

Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný noted, “Winning this order confirms that our products can compete internationally while strengthening our position in the modernization of European rail transport.”

As highlighted by Stoyanova, the order is part of Bulgaria’s railway renewal plans and follows another agreement signed by the government with Stadler for up to ten of its double-decker KISS trains.