The famous Rhodope narrow-gauge railway in Europe now has its own book. Its author is Kristian Vaklinov - the man who turned saving the train into a personal mission. In 364 colorful pages, he collects more than a century of history, stories and photos dedicated to the only operating narrow-gauge railway in Bulgaria - the Septemvri-Dobrinishte route, writes Nova TV.
Every day the train travels the picturesque 125-kilometer route, crossing the Rhodope Mountains, Rila and Pirin. For nearly 100 thousand residents of seven municipalities, this is not just transportation, but part of their everyday life. For the author, however, the narrow gauge is a cause that has become a dream come true.
“Both a dream come true and a goal that has been achieved. Many things in one“, shares Vaklinov.
The book traces the construction of the line, which began in 1915 – through the difficulties, interruptions and the opening of individual sections. The author includes rare archival photos provided by descendants of employees and passengers connected to the railway.
Separate chapters describe all the stations along the route – some already closed, others renamed over the years. Among them is the highest station in the Balkans – Avramovo. There are drawings and diagrams for each stop, as well as the history of its changes.
Christian Vaklinov also presents the development of the rolling stock – from the first passenger cars to the delivery of diesel locomotives, describing their interior, appearance and modernization.
The book also brings to life the memories of people for whom the narrow gauge was the only connection to the world – a means of reaching school, market or doctor. Today, most passengers are tourists, but the train continues to be a symbol of the spirit and perseverance of the mountaineers.
„A few weeks ago, the narrow gauge received another international recognition – sixth place in the ranking of the most beautiful autumn train journeys in the world“, says Vaklinov proudly.
The encyclopedia book will have its premiere on November 10 in Pazardzhik, after which it will be presented in all cities along the Rhodope narrow gauge route.