Alstom-led consortium, BULEMU, has signed a contract with the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Bulgaria for the supply of 35 electric Coradia Stream interregional trains.
The contract, which is valued at 720 million EUR in total, also includes 15 years of complete maintenance for the trains, which will be managed by RVP Invest.
The Coradia Stream interregional trains, which have been developed specifically for the European market and comply fully with both European Standards (EN) and Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs), are readily equipped with the ERTMS Level 2 traffic control system, and are capable of operating under any main European power supply systems.
Gian Luca Erbacci, President of Alstom Europe, said:The new electric interregional Coradia Stream trains for Bulgaria will contribute to more modern and sustainable transportation in the country – in line with our ambition to lead the way towards greener and smarter mobility worldwide.
I am delighted that our Coradia interregional trains, appreciated in so many European countries, will run in Bulgaria as well. This contract completes the portfolio of Alstom solutions in this country, from signalling and infrastructure projects to passenger trains and maintenance capabilities.
With maximum speeds of 160 km/h; the trains will be the first units provided by Alstom for passenger operation within Bulgaria, and mark the country’s first electric interregional train purchase in 20 years.
Each train will be equipped with six cars and provide seating for more than 320 passengers with a 100% low floor, allowing access for all passengers. Each unit will come equipped with two entry doors on each side of the middle cars, with one door at each side of the end cars.
Grozdan Karadjov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications in Bulgaria, said:These trains will enable the implementation of the state policy in the field of passenger rail transport, which aims to attract more passengers through a more regular service with an increased quality and comfort of service as well as reduced emissions.
Onboard passenger information systems will include both audio and dynamic visual display units, with each car set to include large luggage racks to enable higher capacity.
Each train will also be equipped with a digital passenger counting system, charging sockets, bicycle & stroller space and four modern controlled emission toilets, with one specifically designed for passengers with reduced mobility.
Alstom has sold 4,000 Coradia regional trains worldwide, with more than 700 Cordaria Stream units having been ordered in Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark and Romania.
