site.btaTransport Connectivity Programme Aims to Encourage Use of Environmentally Friendly Modes of Transport

Martin Georgiev, head of the Managing Authority of the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021-2027 at the Ministry of Transport and Communications told BTA that transport policies aim to encourage the use of environmentally friendly modes of transport, to support the development of alternative fuels and to improve the quality of road, rail and port infrastructure. 

Georgiev explained that the programme has about EUR 1.9 billion, with EUR 1.6 billion provided by the the European Union. The general political framework focuses on a low-carbon transport system and the economy in general, but also on supporting connectivity both within the country, as well as with the neighboring countries, which is the basis of the trans-European transport network.

The programme is divided into several priorities. The first is the development of the railway infrastructure with a budget of around EUR 700 million. Another priority is improving intermodality, innovation, modernized traffic management systems, security and safety of transport, and a focus on port infrastructure.

Another priority is  intermodality in an urban environment, such as construction of railway connections to the airports in Plovdiv and Burgas. In the first programming period, a small intermodal terminal in the area of ​​the city of Plovdiv was financed and turned out to be quite successful, Georgiev pointed out.

The programme is also looking at alternative fuels. Georgiev  explained that they are currently in talks with the Ministry of Finance to clarify the regime of state aid and how it should be applied to the application.

The Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company managed to complete a large capital dredging project in the Burgas port area worth about BGN 70 million, Georgiev pointed out. He explained that the project will enable ships with deeper drafts to enter the port area and enhance its potential to be used for so-called solidarity corridors for exports from Ukraine and their routing to different EU countries.