The first 19 modernized passenger cars that BDZ bought from the German company “Deutsche Bahn“ arrived in Bulgaria today. They are expected to be put into operation on the country's railway network by mid-June, BNT reported.
„This deal, which we carried out with the assistance of the German Embassy in our country, is the first important step towards the modernization of railway transport,” said Transport Minister Georgi Gvozdeikov.
The carriages will run along the longest routes in the country between Sofia and Burgas, and Sofia and Varna, and each train will have a restaurant carriage.
The value of the entire project is a little over BGN 30 million for 76 wagons, which makes BGN 400,000 for one wagon.
„It is much more expensive for BDZ to repair one wagon from its available fleet. But the most important thing is that with the funds invested in the repair of such a wagon, we cannot achieve the quality of the rolling stock that comes from Germany, added Gvozdeikov.
BDZ stated that they expect the remaining 57 wagons to be delivered within the month of June, so that they can be put into operation for the upcoming summer season.
Each of the carriages has 80 seats, a maximum travel speed of up to 200 km/h and meets all modern comfort standards. The rolling stock is compartmentless, open space type and equipped with an air conditioning system as well as an information system for notifying passengers of stations and stops along the train route.
Six of the carriages are adapted for people with reduced mobility, and all 76 carriages have ergonomic seats. They also feature mobile phone charging sockets and individual reading lights above each seat.