The Škoda Group has officially unveiled the first electric trains in Bulgaria, marking a significant step in the modernization of the country’s railway system. The first completed four-car electric train, designed for suburban and regional operations, was presented in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria. Before arriving in Bulgaria, the unit underwent dynamic and safety testing in the Czech Republic. As part of the rollout, the first two units have entered testing on Bulgarian rail infrastructure this week, concluding a multi-month evaluation phase. Following these trials, the trains are expected to be ready for regular passenger service, further advancing the deployment of the first electric trains in Bulgaria.
The manufacturing timeline for the initial units was completed within just 14 months from contract signing, an accelerated schedule given the level of customization involved. This included tailored exterior livery, redesigned interiors, upgraded passenger information systems, and integration of signaling and safety technologies. The newly introduced trains meet European technical and safety standards, offering over 300 seats per unit and reaching a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h. Powered by a 25 kV AC / 50 Hz overhead system, the trains are equipped with ETCS Level 2, air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and onboard CCTV systems covering both interior and exterior areas. Additional features include ergonomic seating and multifunctional spaces designed for passengers with reduced mobility, parents with prams, and cyclists.
Beyond manufacturing and delivery, the contract incorporates a 15-year comprehensive maintenance agreement, to be carried out by Škoda Group within Bulgaria. This arrangement is intended to ensure operational reliability while maintaining predictable long-term maintenance costs. The total value of the contract exceeds €500 million (approximately CZK 13 billion). The first two electric trains are currently undergoing further certification and preparation processes in coordination with Bulgarian railway authorities and the Ministry of Transport, supporting the phased introduction of Skoda’s first electric trains in Bulgaria into service.
The project forms part of Škoda Group’s broader expansion strategy in the Bulgarian market. Alongside the delivery of 25 trains for the Ministry of Transport, the company is also supplying eight metro trainsets for Sofia, with the first unit unveiled in November 2025. Additionally, Škoda Group has secured contracts to deliver 75 new trolleybuses for Sofia, reinforcing its role in modernizing public transportation across Bulgaria and the Southeast European region through initiatives such as its first electric trains in Bulgaria.
