EPPO Investigating BDZ Contracts: Billions of Leva Without Real Results

The situation in the Bulgarian railways is at a critical point, and the scale of potential violations is serious. According to Transport Minister Georgi Peev, billions of leva have been invested in the National Railway (BDZ) over the years, but the results have been minimal. A key fact is that 17 of the concluded contracts are already being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office.

The Minister emphasized that since 2015-2017, there has not been a single completed contract for the construction of a railway track, and some projects have even started without secured funding. This explains why over 50% of the railway network in Bulgaria operates with speed restrictions.

What does this mean for citizens?
For the average passenger, this translates into a direct impact on quality of life and daily travel. The lack of modernization leads to uncomfortable conditions – for example, most carriages do not have effective air conditioning, making travel during the summer extremely difficult. Additionally, the shortage of rolling stock and sleeping cars limits the possibilities for comfortable and timely travel between cities.

Nevertheless, there are positive signs of change. The first of the order for 35 new Alstom electric multiple units (valued at over 511 million euros) are already in the country, and the first trains with working air conditioning are expected to enter operation in September. This investment is the largest in the railway sector in the last two decades.

In addition to the railway sector, the Minister also commented on road safety measures, announcing the preparation of a new National Plan, which will include better coordination between 300 institutions and the creation of real-time risk profiles for carriers.