Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport and Communications has announced a strategic investment of more than EUR 10 million to enhance Burgas Port rail infrastructure, under the initiative “Connections from East to West,” launched in March 2025. This project supports Bulgaria’s ambition to strengthen its transport connectivity within Europe, improve multimodal logistics, and increase competitiveness in maritime and rail freight operations.
The initiative is being implemented by BMF Port Burgas, the private concessionaire responsible for the operation and development of terminals Burgas East-2 and Burgas West. The total investment value exceeds EUR 10.7 million, with up to 85% of the amount, representing EUR 9.14 million, secured through European Union co-financing under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The remaining costs will be covered by BMF Port Burgas AD, using a combination of its own resources and, if necessary, bank financing.
The primary objective of the project is to boost rail accessibility at the Port of Burgas through the development of new railway infrastructure across the two main terminals. The plan includes constructing a new rail track to link terminals Burgas East-2 and Burgas West, two new tracks within each terminal, and a turnout. The expected benefits include improved efficiency in rail cargo handling and smoother shunting operations, which will support increased capacity and throughput.
The implementation of the project to improve the Burgas Port rail infrastructure is a “successful partnership between the state and the private sector,” the Deputy Minister, Angel Zaburtov, said. He added, that “through our joint efforts, we will achieve economic growth and the strategic strengthening of Burgas as a key transport hub on the global map.” The completed project is anticipated to reinforce the connectivity between Eastern and Western Europe, establishing Burgas as a vital logistics hub along the Baltic Sea – Black Sea – Aegean Sea corridor.
BMF Port Burgas is the private operator of both terminals that comprise the port’s infrastructure. In October 2024, the company entered into a grant agreement with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) to receive the EU co-financing necessary for the “From East 2 West Connections” project. Construction works began in August 2024 and are projected to be completed by May 2027.
Burgas Port project highlights
The core objective of the investment is to enhance rail access to Burgas Port and promote a modal shift by improving the effectiveness of handling and shunting procedures. A new marshalling yard will be built at terminal Burgas West, equipped with six railway tracks—two operational and four buffer tracks—measuring between 565 and 822 metres. Together, the tracks will have a combined length of 3.97 km. These tracks will help decongest existing infrastructure and allow smoother traffic flows between Burgas East-2 and Burgas West. The dedicated operational tracks will be used exclusively for servicing container and bulk cargo trains at Burgas West, allowing the terminal to manage up to 102 wagons daily. By transferring the majority of handling operations to these new tracks, the port aims to separate rail movements from ongoing port activities, significantly improving operational performance and safety.
Additionally, terminal Burgas East-2 will see the construction of two new tracks, measuring 614 metres and 412 metres, along with a scissors crossover. These tracks will serve berths 16 through 19, which are used for dry bulk and general cargo. The new infrastructure will expand the terminal’s daily handling capacity to accommodate up to 166 wagons, increasing efficiency and enabling faster cargo turnover.
Crucially, the two terminals will be directly connected through a newly constructed 456-metre railway track, designed to enhance internal connectivity and operational flexibility. This link will provide redundancy to ensure uninterrupted port operations even in case of service disruptions or infrastructure maintenance on the mainline. The connection will also create a streamlined route for cargo movement within the port complex, reducing delays and improving the predictability of rail services.
Once completed, the rail infrastructure improvements at the Port of Burgas will support more sustainable freight transport, reduce road congestion, and align with the EU’s Green Deal objectives. The investment marks a significant milestone in Bulgaria’s efforts to position itself as a central logistics player in Southeast Europe and a bridge between major European and global trade corridors.
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