Largest EU co-financing for Bulgarian rail project

Bulgaria are upgrading their rail networks (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The European Commission will give €224.57 million in closed-end fund (CEF) finance to Bulgaria for the modernisation of the Sratsimir section of the Vidin-Sofia railway line.

It has been reported that the project will modernise up to 45km of the railway line and fund the further construction of 14km of an electrified line between Sofia and Vidin - an additional five bridges, one tunnel and three stations will also be constructed.

The modernisation of the Sofia-Vidin railway line is estimated to cost €2.3 billion and will become one of the most expensive rail projects in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has submitted a further eight transport projects for financial support from the CEF 2021-2017 with a total cost of €391 million - currently, three are approved. The European Commission provided Bulgaria with a total co-financing of €273 million for three projects including the modernisation of the Medkovets to Sratsimir rail section.