Bulgaria awards Alstom contract for 35 trains

Sofia: Alstom Secures Major Train Supply Contract with Bulgaria. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Bulgaria recently chose Alstom to deliver 35 electric trains, Transport Minister announced Friday. This contract falls under the National Recovery Plan for swift rail upgrades.

The European Commission fully funds trains completed by August 2026, Karadzhov confirmed clearly. However, the nation covers remaining costs using its own budget, he added.

Alstom alone guaranteed delivery within 28 months, Karadzhov stressed during the announcement. This timeline matches the Recovery and Resilience Plan’s strict requirements perfectly.

Last July, Sofia’s ministry reported Stadler Polska withdrew from supplying 35 trains. Consequently, Stadler also canceled a separate deal for double-decker trains.

The tender attracted bids from Stadler, Pesa, and a Skoda consortium, records reveal. Yet, Alstom’s $485.7 million offer secured the competitive contract decisively.

Bulgaria aims to enhance its rail network with these new electric trains. Therefore, Alstom’s prompt delivery remains crucial for success, experts note.

Funding from the European Commission backs this sustainable transport push, Karadzhov explained. Meanwhile, national funds ensure completion even if delays occur unexpectedly.

Alstom’s win advances Bulgaria’s infrastructure goals significantly, analysts observe confidently. And this deal deepens France-Bulgaria transport ties, strengthening collaboration.

Competitors like Pesa and Skoda submitted bids but missed Alstom’s timeline. Thus, Alstom emerged as the top choice in this procurement race.

The country’s rail system requires upgrades for better efficiency, the ministry asserts. So, these trains will improve capacity and reliability for all passengers.

Karadzhov spoke to parliament live, outlining the project’s financial details thoroughly. Additionally, he praised Alstom’s reliability as a key selection factor.

The contract’s $485.7 million value highlights the project’s ambitious scope, officials say. Moreover, it shows Bulgaria’s dedication to advancing public transport infrastructure.

Alstom starts production soon to hit the 28-month deadline, company leaders confirmed. Because of this, the nation expects rail improvements by 2026.

This deal establishes Alstom as a vital partner in modernizing Bulgarian transport, experts predict. Furthermore, it paves the way for future EU collaborations.

The country anticipates lower emissions and greener travel with these trains, Karadzhov stated. Hence, the project supports broader EU sustainability targets effectively.