Škoda Group has confirmed it won the contract won the contract to manufacture deliver Bulgaria up to 25 barrier-free RegioPanter EMUs with a firm order for 20 four-car electric multiple units. The contract also includes an option for a further 5 vehicles. The announcement comes after the country’s Ministry of Transport selected the manufacturer in August under the contract that also includes the provision of maintenance services for a period of 15 years.
The total value of the contract including option is more than EUR 500 million and was signed on September 4, 2024.
By signing the contract, “we are taking a huge step towards the renewal of the Bulgarian railway. I would like to thank the team of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, thanks to whom this contract is a fact. I wish the contractor’s representatives success, honesty and compliance with the delivery deadline. I sincerely hope that very soon we will be greeted with more contracts for new rolling stock and equipment financed under the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan,” said Krasimira Stoyanova, the Minister of Transport and Communications.
Škoda will supply the trains that will replace the outdated trains and offer more than 300 seats, air-conditioned carriages, and a smooth ride with minimal noise.
The trains reach a top speed of 160 km/h and are ready to operate on lines with 25 kV AC 50 Hz electrification. Passengers will benefit from ergonomic seats, air-conditioned interiors and on-board Wi-Fi connectivity. Security will be enhanced by an advanced exterior and interior camera system. The trains will also be partially low-floor to ensure full accessibility for all passengers. For fast, safe and convenient passenger interchange, the trains will have low-floor boarding and 1,500 mm wide doors. The vehicles will also include multifunctional areas for disabled persons, prams or bicycles.
The new RegioPanter EMUs will also feature Škoda’s advanced digital technology, which will ensure greater reliability and passenger safety. The units will be equipped with the ETCS Level 2 system, which guarantees the highest safety requirements in accordance with European standards.
The RegioPanter type of accessible electric units is a popular and proven model produced by Škoda Group. They are in operation in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Latvia, and have recently been delivered to Estonia, where they have already started trial operation.
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