Bulgarian State Railways launches first Coradia Stream EMUs

Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) has commenced regular operations with its first two Coradia Stream electric multiple units (EMUs) as of 1 September 2026. These units are part of a larger order of 35 Alstom Coradia Stream trains. Currently, the two active units are assigned to the Plovdiv–Svilengrad, Plovdiv–Asenovgrad, Svilengrad–Sofia, and Sofia–Pernik routes.

Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev stated that 12 units have arrived in Bulgaria so far, with the remaining 23 expected to be delivered by April 2027. This rollout is part of a broader €720 million modernization program aimed at upgrading the nation's aging rail fleet.

In addition to the Alstom order, Bulgaria is also integrating 25 Škoda RegioPanter EMUs into its service. Eight of these Škoda units entered regular service on 14 August 2026, and the ministry expects the operating fleet to reach 20 units by late August. Together, the Alstom and Škoda programs will provide 60 new trainsets to the country.