site.btaTransport Minister Signs Contract for Delivery of 9 Electric Shunter Locomotives

Transport Minister Georgi Gvozdeykov signed Thursday a contract for the delivery of 9 electric shunter locomotives, which will be purchased with funds under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The deadline for the contract's execution is mid-2026 and the total investment value is BGN 10.5 million, the press centre of the Transport Ministry said Thursday.

"The new rolling stock will replace the nearly 50-year-old diesel locomotives that are currently in use in depots," Gvozdeykov said after signing the contract. He added that the project will reduce shunting costs and emissions, and will provide the railway carrier with modern and up-to-date equipment.

The Transport Minister explained that the new locomotives will be used in the largest depots in the country and will significantly improve the working conditions of the employees. "The locomotives are of the latest generation and allow them to be operated remotely without having a driver inside the cabin," he explained.

The contract also includes their maintenance for 15 years and staff training. The contractor is Express Service Ltd, the statement said.