site.btaTransport Minister: Modernization of Railway Sector is Ministry's Priority

Transport Minister: Modernization of Railway Sector is Ministry's Priority

Sofia, June 17 (BTA) - Transport, IT and Communications Minister Ivailo Moskovski said that a key priority of the Ministry is to achieve total operational compatibility between the Bulgarian and European railway sector. Moskovski spoke during the official opening Thursday of a laboratory for smart communication infrastructures at Sofia's Tech Park.

Moskovski dwelled on the modernization of the Bulgarian railways, saying that all upgraded sections are compatible with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). He said that next year the Bulgarian State Railways plans to open a procedure for the purchase of new rolling stock for the modernized sections.

The laboratory unveiled on Thursday has two separate units which will work in R&D and innovations in the area of railway transport management, and cooperative smart grids and the internet of things.

Attending the opening ceremony were Rudy Demotte, Minister President of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, Belgian Ambassador to Sofia Anick Van Claster, Deputy Economy Minister Lyuben Petrov, among others.