Bulgaria: Škoda Completes Production of First of 25 New Electric Trains

The Škoda Group has announced the completion of production of the first of 25 new electric trains for the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The contract for the new trains, worth almost 13 billion CZK, was signed in September 2024 and includes the provision of comprehensive servicing for a period of 15 years.

Škoda is also manufacturing eight metro trains for operation in Sofia.

Each train has been designed as a modern four-car electric unit based on the existing RegioPanter platform.

Petr Novotný, CEO of the Škoda Group, said:

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.

The trains are set to offer seating for just over 300 passengers, and operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h. They will be powered by 25 kV AC 50 Hz, and have been designed to meet current European safety standards.

All units will be equipped with second-level ETCS security systems, cameras both inside and outside the trains, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, ergonomic seats and multifunctional spaces, with a partially low-floor design allowing for comfortable boarding and disembarkation.

Servicing will be provided for 15 years from a newly leased Bulgarian depot.