photo: Nelso Silva / Flickr/Alstom Coradia Stream HC for Luxembourg. Innotrans Berlin 2022
Bulgaria is hitting the fast track to rail modernisation. With Alstom’s EUR 600 million contract for 35 Coradia Stream EMUs and 15 years of maintenance, the country’s ageing fleet is finally getting a sustainable, EU-funded upgrade after two decades of waiting.
Bulgaria has taken a step towards rail modernisation, signing a contract with global mobility leader Alstom for the delivery of 35 electric Coradia Stream trains and 15 years of associated maintenance. The agreement is valued at EUR 720 million, with Alstom’s share totalling EUR 600 million, according to the company’s official press release.
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The contract was signed by Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Grozdan Karadjov, and Alstom’s regional CEO, Gabriel Stancu, representing the BULEMU consortium formed by Alstom and local partner RVP Invest. The agreement follows the end of a statutory appeal period and marks the country’s first new electric interregional train procurement in two decades, as noted by Railway Pro.
Bulgaria's First Electric Interregional Trains in 20 Years
The new six-car EMUs will be deployed on regional and long-distance services with journey times of up to five hours. These will be the first Coradia Stream trains operating in Bulgaria, enhancing service on some of the country’s busiest intercity corridors. "These trains will help attract more passengers by providing a more regular, comfortable and lower-emission service," said Karadjov, also mentioning the government's intention to make rail a more attractive alternative to road travel.
According to Rail Journal, the first 12 trains are expected by August 2026, fully funded through the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan (NRSP) with EUR 210.7 million in EU-backed financing. The remaining 23 trains will be financed through Bulgaria’s Social Climate Plan.
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Alstom’s Coradia Stream's Technical Features and Passenger Comfort
Alstom’s Coradia Stream EMUs have been specifically developed for the European market, ensuring full compatibility with all major European power systems. Each train will operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h and will be equipped with ERTMS Level 2 signalling, guaranteeing full interoperability across EU rail networks and compliance with both European standards (EN) and Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs).
The trains will offer 100% low-floor access to improve accessibility for all passengers. Each six-car unit will accommodate over 320 seats and feature a modern passenger information system, combining both audio and dynamic visual displays. Power sockets for personal electronic devices will be installed throughout the trains, alongside digital passenger counting sensors to enhance operational monitoring.
Passenger amenities will include four emission-controlled toilets per train, one of which will be fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. In addition, there will be spaces for bicycles and strollers, as well as large luggage racks in each carriage to support long-distance and interregional journeys.
Alstom has confirmed that final design elements, including colours and interior finishes, will be fully customised during the design phase to meet the specific preferences and operational needs of Bulgaria’s contracting authorities.
Strengthening Alstom’s Presence in Bulgaria
The project significantly expands Alstom’s footprint in Bulgaria, which already includes infrastructure upgrades and fleet maintenance for national operator BDZ. Gian Luca Erbacci, President of Alstom Europe, noted: "This contract completes Alstom’s portfolio in Bulgaria, from signalling and infrastructure to passenger trains and maintenance." Alstom is already involved in several modernisation initiatives across the country, including rail infrastructure upgrades—one of which is completed and currently in its warranty phase.
Maintenance and Local Partnership
As part of the contract, RVP Invest will provide the maintenance facilities, working alongside Alstom to ensure optimal operation of the new fleet under the company’s FlexCare services portfolio. Maintenance will include preventive tasks, scheduled repairs, and emergency interventions, aiming to keep fleet performance high over the 15-year period. This long-term commitment mirrors similar service agreements in other European countries. As Railway Pro pointed out, Alstom’s Coradia Stream trains are already operational or on order in Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Romania, with more than 700 units already purchased across the continent.
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The contract follows a controversial tendering process, where Swiss train maker Stadler withdrew its bid despite being named the preferred bidder in mid-2024. While the reasons behind the withdrawal remain unclear, the contract ultimately moved forward after fulfilling all legal requirements, as Rail Journal reported. In his remarks, Karadjov thanked the European Commission for its flexibility in allowing EU funds to be used for rolling stock, a move he said was instrumental in advancing Bulgaria’s transport agenda.
Sources: Alstom; RailwayPRO; IRJ