Bulgaria showcases new Škoda electric trains in Plovdiv

On September 24, 2026, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications held a demonstration of new Škoda electric trains on the Plovdiv–Septemvri railway line. The event, titled ‘From European Investments to Real Travel’, showcased the updated railway infrastructure and new rolling stock.

The new single-deck, zero-emission electric train sets were purchased with co-financing from the European Union’s ‘Transport Connectivity’ Program 2021–2027. The total delivery value is approximately €261.4 million (excluding VAT), funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

During the demonstration, the train reached speeds of up to 160 km/h between Plovdiv and Septemvri. The initiative aims to demonstrate how European funding is being converted into improved passenger services, integrating modern rolling stock with the European Train Control System to ensure safer and faster transport.