Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, is marking a significant milestone in Bulgaria’s rail transport. The company has signed a contract with the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications for the delivery of 15 electric Coradia Stream interregional trains, including a 35-year comprehensive maintenance, led by the BULEMU consortium. Alstom will be responsible for 720 million euros of this huge project, worth a total of 600 million euros. The BULEMU consortium is being implemented through a strategic partnership between Alstom and the local strong partner RVP Invest, which will provide maintenance facilities for the trains.
Coradia Stream, Which Has Been Popular in Europe, Is Now in Bulgaria
This important agreement represents Alstom’s first entry into the Bulgarian passenger transport market and is also the first electric interregional train purchase by the country’s railways in the last 20 years. Offering high comfort and efficiency, these modern electric multiple units (EMUs) will operate on passenger and intercity train lines, particularly on journeys lasting up to 4 to 5 hours.
“The new electric interregional Coradia Stream trains for Bulgaria will contribute significantly to the creation of a more modern and sustainable transport system in the country, in line with our vision of pioneering greener and smarter mobility worldwide. We are very pleased that our Coradia interregional trains, which have already won the appreciation of passengers in many European countries, will now be in service in Bulgaria. This strategic contract complements the broad portfolio of Alstom solutions in Bulgaria, from signaling and infrastructure projects to passenger trains and comprehensive maintenance capabilities,” said Gian Luca Erbacci, President of Alstom Europe.
Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov emphasized the positive impact of this important investment on the country's railway transport, saying, "These modern trains will enable the effective implementation of our state policy in the field of passenger railway transport by providing a more regular service, increased service quality and passenger comfort, as well as lower emissions."
High Technology and Comfort Together
Specially developed for the European market, Coradia Stream interregional trains are equipped with the latest version of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), Level 2, which maximizes the safety and efficiency of rail traffic. Thanks to this advanced traffic control system, the trains will be fully compliant with European standards (EN) and Technical Interoperability Specifications (TSIs), and will be capable of operating smoothly under all main power supply systems in Europe. The maximum speed that the trains can reach is determined as 160 kilometers per hour.
Each train will consist of six modern carriages and will have a total of more than 320 comfortable seats. All trains are designed to be 100% low-floor in order to provide passengers with comfortable and unobstructed access to the train. There will be two wide entrance doors on each side of the middle carriages, while there will be one door on each side of the last carriages. Both voice announcement systems and dynamic visual screens will be available throughout the train so that passengers can easily access the information they will need throughout their journey. In addition, there will be large luggage racks in each carriage where passengers can safely place their luggage.
These new generation Coradia Stream interregional trains will be equipped with a range of features that prioritize passenger comfort and a modern travel experience. The digital passenger counting system with high-precision sensors will allow for instantaneous monitoring of occupancy rates. Each seat will be equipped with charging sockets so that passengers can comfortably use their electronic devices. There will be four modern controlled emission toilets distributed equally throughout the train, one of which has been specially designed for use by passengers with reduced mobility. Special areas for large items such as bicycles and baby strollers will also facilitate passenger travel. The final configuration of the train, its interior and exterior colors and the surface materials used will be fully customized during the design phase in line with the specific requirements of the contracting authority.
Alstom's Strong History and Sustainable Solutions
Coradia Stream is part of Alstom’s Coradia regional train range, which has been successfully and reliably performing throughout Europe for over thirty years. To date, Alstom has sold over 4.000 Coradia regional trains worldwide, and many European countries, such as Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, already benefit from their high performance and passenger comfort.
In total, more than 700 Coradia Stream regional trains have been ordered in Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark and Romania, with the trains in Italy proving their reliability in service since mid-2019. In Romania, Coradia Stream trains will start transporting passengers in November 2024. The Coradia Stream platform demonstrates its vision for the future of transport by offering emissions-free sustainable solutions, such as battery and hydrogen traction, not only for electrified lines but also for non-electrified lines.
Comprehensive Maintenance Service from Alstom and RVP Invest
Together with its local partner RVP Invest, Alstom will provide a comprehensive maintenance service for 15 years to ensure the safe and trouble-free operation of the trains to be delivered to Bulgaria. This comprehensive maintenance programme includes preventive maintenance activities, planned repairs and overhauls, as well as emergency repairs in case of unexpected situations.
Alstom’s innovative FlexCare solution portfolio sets a new standard in rail transport by offering flexible services tailored for each phase of the rail asset lifecycle. From train operations and maintenance to spare parts supply, overhaul and modernization work, Alstom supports asset owners in achieving the highest fleet performance, contributing to sustainable and efficient rail transport. Alstom currently provides maintenance services to the fleet of the national passenger rail operator BDZ in Bulgaria and is actively involved in various completed and ongoing rail infrastructure modernization projects.
