Alstom has begun delivering the first Coradia Stream EMUs from a batch of 35 trains destined for the Bulgarian national operator BDZ. The first units were shipped from the factory in Bautzen, Germany, as part of a EUR 720 million contract that also includes 15 years of maintenance.
The deliveries are part of the contract signed in 2025 between the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications and the BULEMU consortium, led by Alstom and formed in partnership with the local company RVP Invest. The total value of the contract is 720 million EUR, of which Alstom’s share amounts to 600 million EUR.
The contract includes both the supply of 35 Coradia Stream EMUs and maintenance services for a period of 15 years. The value of the trains is 452 EUR million, and the maintenance package is valued at 268 EUR million.
The first new interregional electric trains in Bulgaria in two decades
The new multiple units will be used for regional and intercity services on routes with travel times of up to 4–5 hours. According to Alstom, the Coradia Stream multiple units for Bulgaria were developed for the European market and will be equipped with ERTMS Level 2, the European Rail Traffic Management System.
The multiple units comply with European standards and technical specifications for interoperability, being designed to operate on the main European power supply systems. The maximum speed will be 160 km/h.
Each train will have six cars and over 320 seats, with a low floor throughout for easy access. The configuration includes two doors on each side of the intermediate cars and one door on each side of the end cars.
Wi-Fi, bike racks, and accessible restrooms
The trains will be equipped with dynamic audio and visual systems for passenger information, large luggage racks, outlets for charging electronic devices, and a digital passenger counting system with high-precision sensors.
Each multiple unit will have four modern restrooms distributed along the length of the train, one of which is designed for people with reduced mobility. There will also be dedicated spaces for bicycles and strollers.
The colors, finishes, and final configuration of the multiple units are customized according to the requirements of the contracting authority in Bulgaria.
Alstom enters the passenger train market in Bulgaria
For Alstom, the contract marks its first supply of passenger trains to Bulgaria. The company is already present in the Bulgarian market through maintenance services for the national operator BDZ’s fleet, as well as through railway infrastructure modernization projects.
Gian Luca Erbacci, President of Alstom Europe, stated at the contract signing that the new Coradia Stream trains will contribute to more modern and sustainable transportation in Bulgaria.
“The new Coradia Stream interregional electric trains for Bulgaria will contribute to more modern and sustainable transportation in the country, in line with our ambition to lead the transition toward greener and smarter mobility worldwide. I am pleased that our Coradia interregional trains, which are highly regarded in so many European countries, will also operate in Bulgaria,” said Gian Luca Erbacci.
For his part, Grozdan Karadjov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications of Bulgaria, stated that the new trains will support the government’s policy in the field of passenger rail transport through more regular services, greater comfort, and reduced emissions.
Maintenance for 15 years
Alstom and RVP Invest will provide maintenance for the trains throughout the 15-year contract period. The program includes preventive maintenance, scheduled repairs, general overhauls, and emergency repairs.
Share on:
