Hitachi Rail, in consortium with CERB, has been awarded a contract by Bulgaria’s National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) to implement its advanced digital signaling technology, European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on the Voluyak–Dragoman railway line. The project builds on Hitachi Rail’s long-standing partnership with NRIC and reinforces its position as a trusted leader in modern railway signaling across Bulgaria and Europe.
The contract includes the deployment of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 trackside technology and GSM-R communications along the 35 km double-track line between Dragoman and Voluyak, a suburb of Sofia.
Hitachi Rail will lead the consortium, taking charge of the design, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the ETCS Level 1 trackside system. As part of the collaboration, Hitachi Rail will coordinate with CERB to manage local installation activities and oversee the turnkey implementation of GSM-R system – the mobile communication system used by railways. The project will be delivered over 34 months, with completion expected in line with NRIC’s broader infrastructure modernization timeline.
Supporting European Rail Integration
This upgrade enhances a critical cross-border section west of Sofia, improving speed and interoperability on the route to Serbia. As part of the EU’s strategic Orient/East-Med Corridor, the project strengthens Bulgaria’s role as a key transit country between Central and Southeastern Europe. (....)