Škoda Group, a leading European manufacturer of emission-free mobility solutions, today officially presented the first completed four-car electric train designed for modern suburban and regional services on the Bulgarian railway network, in the presence of representatives of the contracting authority, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria. Prior to its introduction in Bulgaria, the unit successfully completed dynamic and safety tests in the Czech Republic. Starting in the week of 23 March 2026, the first two Škoda trains will begin testing on Bulgarian infrastructure, thereby completing a several-month testing phase. The electric trains will subsequently be ready for deployment in regular passenger service.
“Today’s presentation of the first train marks an important step in one of the most significant railway projects that Škoda Group has been implementing in Southeast Europe in recent years. In total, we are manufacturing 25 trains for Bulgaria based on the proven RegioPanter platform, which already serves millions of passengers in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and more recently also on broad-gauge networks in Latvia and Estonia—both in fully electric and battery versions. We are pleased to cooperate with the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport in delivering its railway modernisation plan and in helping to make rail transport more attractive to passengers through modern rolling stock. Bulgaria has long been an important market for us, and this project confirms that Czech technologies can play a key role in the modernisation of its railway sector,” said Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group.
“Bulgarian railways play a key role in connecting regions, supporting the country’s economic development, and ensuring accessible mobility for citizens. Therefore, the modernization of rail transport is among the state’s strategic priorities,” said Korman Ismailov, Minister of Transport and Communications of Bulgaria. (....)