# Bulgarian railway infrastructure modernization

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-railway-infrastructure-modernization
> Updated: 2026-09-08T09:12:23.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) is conducting extensive modernization projects across the national rail network, involving infrastructure upgrades and rolling stock improvements.

In Plovdiv, major service reorganizations occurred in late August 2026 to facilitate the installation of metal structures for a new pedestrian footbridge. This work, part of a larger modernization of the railway junction and a new communication-transport breakthrough, caused track suspensions and power shutdowns, necessitating replacement bus services and route detours for several passenger and express trains.

Renovations at Sofia Central Station have extended the period during which trains traveling to Northern Bulgaria must depart from Sofia North Station. The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport announced that this arrangement will now remain in place until July 2027. Currently, all compositions heading toward Mezdra, Pleven, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Varna, Vidin, and Lom pass through the northern station. To mitigate the need for transfers, the introduction of temporary computer centralization software at Sofia Station is planned for early 2027.

The broader modernization project, which began in May 2024, aims to complete track and contact network upgrades by mid-2028. To support these transitions, BDZ is modernizing its fleet; new Alstom electric multiple units began regular service on September 1, 2026, on routes between Plovdiv, Svilengrad, Asenovgrad, Pernik, and Sofia, following the mid-August introduction of 20 new Skoda electric trains.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Sofia North Station to serve Northern Bulgaria trains until 2027

Trains to Northern Bulgaria will depart from Sofia North Station until July 2027 due to major renovations at Sofia Central Station, with full infrastructure completion expected by 2028.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sofia-north-station-to-serve-northern-bulgaria-trains-until-2027

### 2026-09-03: Sofia North Station to host Northern Bulgaria trains until July 2025

Due to renovations at Sofia Central Station, trains to Northern Bulgaria will depart from Sofia North Station until July 2025. Infrastructure work is expected to conclude by 2028.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sofia-north-station-to-host-northern-bulgaria-trains-until-july-2025

### 2026-08-23: Plovdiv railway station undergoes major service reorganization

Train services at Plovdiv Station are being reorganized from August 24–28, 2026, for footbridge construction, involving cancellations, detours, and replacement bus services.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plovdiv-railway-station-undergoes-major-service-reorganization

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Cite as: Bulgarian railway infrastructure modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-railway-infrastructure-modernization