First Škoda EMU unveiled for Bulgaria

The first new Škoda train for Bulgaria was unveiled at Sofia Central Railway Station before the first two units moved into domestic testing and certification. Photo: Škoda Group.

BULGARIA: The first new Škoda EMU for Bulgaria has been officially presented as the country’s passenger fleet renewal programme moves into testing and certification.

The train was unveiled at Sofia Central Railway Station on March 20, and the first two units are due to begin testing on Bulgarian infrastructure in the week of March 23, ahead of entry into regular passenger service. The order covers 25 four-car electric multiple units.

The programme has now moved from production to testing and certification in Bulgaria ahead of passenger service.

First units move into testing and certification

The trains are designed for suburban and regional services and are based on Škoda’s RegioPanter platform. Each unit has more than 300 seats, a maximum speed of 160 km/h and a partially low-floor design with level boarding.

This is a tangible fleet-renewal milestone, as the first units move into domestic testing and certification.

The first two trains are due to begin testing on Bulgarian infrastructure in the week of March 23, ahead of entry into regular passenger service. The project for 25 trainsets is valued at EUR 326.7 million under Bulgaria’s wider passenger rolling-stock renewal effort.