Škoda Group completes first train for Bulgaria 14 months after signing
Škoda Group has completed production of the first of 25 new electric train units for the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications.
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The contract for the delivery of these trains, including comprehensive servicing for 15 years, was signed by the group in September 2024. The contract, worth almost CZK 13 billion, which is equivalent to almost half of the Czech Republic's annual exports to Bulgaria, strengthens the Škoda Group's position in the Balkan market. In Bulgaria, they are expected to make a significant contribution to the modernisation of rail transport. In addition to this project, Škoda is also manufacturing eight metro trains for the capital Sofia.
The trains are designed as modern four-car electric units based on the proven RegioPanter platform, which has been successfully operating for many years in Czechia, Slovakia and, on broad gauge, also in Latvia and Estonia.
“We managed to complete the first train for Bulgaria within 14 months after signing the contract – an exceptionally short time, which was made possible by the full deployment of our most experienced project teams, the deep expertise of our engineers and the close cooperation of several Škoda Group production plants. The train was also significantly adapted to the customer’s needs: from a specific colour scheme and new interior design, through modifications to the information system, to the integration of signalling technology and other safety features. Škoda is thus bringing to Bulgaria not only the proven RegioPanter platform, which has already run around 160 million kilometres on European railways, but also the ability to very quickly deliver fully personalised trains at a time when the country urgently needs to modernise its fleet,” said Petr Novotný, CEO of the Škoda Group.
Grozdan Karadzhov, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications thanked the production teams and emphasized that the implementation is proceeding strictly according to schedule:
“Only 14 months after the contract was signed, we already have the first completed train for Bulgaria. Another 11 are in an advanced stage and are expected to be completed in the coming months. We will receive without delay what we have paid for — and what the Bulgarian citizens deserve.”
The trains will offer a capacity of more than 300 seats, a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and will be powered by 25 kV AC 50 Hz. They are designed to meet current European safety standards. Škoda Group will equip them with a second-level ETCS security system, a security camera system inside and outside the trains, comfortable air conditioning, Wi-Fi connection, ergonomic seats and multifunctional spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, parents with prams or cyclists.
The partially low-floor design will allow for comfortable boarding and disembarkation. Škoda Group will ensure smooth operation of the trains on Bulgarian railways with comprehensive servicing, which the group will provide for 15 years from a newly leased Bulgarian depot.
Link to history
For the Škoda Group, the contract represents a strategic commercial success that strengthens its position in the Balkans and confirms its ability to deliver large contracts in the face of fierce competition from European and Asian manufacturers. The total value of the contract is almost CZK 13 billion, or over half a billion euros.
The Bulgarian railways will be significantly rejuvenated thanks to the new fleet of electric units. The current rolling stock, which includes older Škoda locomotives, will be replaced by vehicles that meet the technical specifications for interoperability and all current European standards, and bring significant savings in operating costs thanks to advanced technologies and lower energy consumption. This will help to increase passenger comfort and make regional lines more efficient and environmentally friendly.
“The contract to supply 25 new electric trains is our first project for the Bulgarian railways in modern history. More than 50 years ago, Škoda supplied its locomotives to the Bulgarian market. Our countries have maintained long-term relations, and now we are strengthening them even further with this order. We are confident that we will win further contracts in tenders in which we participate in Bulgaria,” concludes Petr Novotný.
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