“The dispatch of the first two trains marks a significant milestone in the implementation of this project. Production of the remaining units is progressing as scheduled, and we continue to work in close coordination with our Bulgarian partners to ensure timely delivery of the entire fleet,” said Olesea Lachi, Vice President South & East Europe, Škoda Group

The completion of the testing phase confirms the technical readiness of the first vehicles for delivery. Upon arrival in Bulgaria, the trains will undergo further certification procedures and preparations for entry into service in coordination with the Ministry.

The new four-car electric trains are designed in full compliance with European standards and requirements. Each train will offer more than 300 seats, air conditioning, and smooth, low-noise operation. The contract includes the delivery of 25 electric trains as well as 15 years of full-service, ensuring long-term operational reliability and financial predictability for the Bulgarian railway system.

Škoda Group is steadily expanding its long-term presence in Bulgaria. The group is currently manufacturing a total of 25 electric trains for the Ministry of Transport, with the first two units now dispatched and the remaining 23 in active production. The contract also includes long-term maintenance of the fleet on local ground, following its delivery. In parallel, Škoda Group is supplying eight metro trainsets to Sofia. The roll out of first trainset was held in November 2025 and the project is successfully advancing – five vehicles are already in their new hometown. Recently Škoda Group was awarded with two contracts for the supply of 75 new trolleybuses for the Bulgarian capital.