Headline:
Bulgaria‘s NCFR Awards Two Major Public Procurements for Transport Infrastructure Projects in Plovdiv
Article:
Bulgaria’s National Company for Infrastructure (NCFI) has launched two significant public procurements for technical and investment projects, valued at a combined €2.4 million. These projects are part of the second phase of Plovdiv’s railway hub expansion and are set to enhance the country’s transport infrastructure.
1. Technical and Investment Project for Estandada on Blvd. "Kopriv Ishmael" and Connection to Plovdiv Airport
NCFI has restarted the procurement for the ‘Design of a Technical Project and Technical Specifications for Construction and Implementation of a PUP for Modernization of Railway Track, Contact Network, and Signal and Telecommunication Systems in the Plovdiv – Philippovo Section.’ The initial tender was cancelled due to the lack of international standards in the documentation, which would have hindered the participation of foreign companies.
The new tender, valued at €4.3 million, will accept offers until January 20, 2023. While the total project cost is expected to exceed €200 million, its inclusion in the new programming period for European funding remains uncertain. The funding source is expected to be the Transport Connectivity Program, and the project is tied to the construction of the S-Bahn urban rail network.
NCFI has shortened the project’s deadlines by half, requiring the contractor to deliver the project within 480 days, a significant reduction from the initial 720-day target. This means that, in the best-case scenario, construction on the overpass could begin as early as 2026.
The project includes elevating the double railway lines to allow a minimum speed of 85 km/h and integrating a city rail stop near ‘Plovdiv Stadium.’ This will eliminate level crossings and create public spaces and streets underneath the bridge.
2. Investment Project for Railway Connection to Plovdiv Airport
The second procurement involves the ‘Development of an Investment Project, Technical Specifications for Construction, and a PUP for the Construction of a Railway Connection to Plovdiv Airport.’ With a budget of €4.9 million, this project aims to improve passenger transfer speed and quality, aligning with modern transportation standards.
The project, part of Plovdiv’s comprehensive railway hub development, involves the construction of a new, separate railway line starting at the exit of Krumovo Station. Trains will pass without stopping at Krumovo Station and Plovdiv Airport Station, with the option to use every reception/departure track in Krumovo Station.
Moreover, the existing railway stop ‘Mavrudovo’ will be reconstructed, located three kilometers from the airport terminal. Shuttle buses will transport passengers between the railway stop and the terminal.
Both projects are expected to significantly improve Plovdiv’s transport infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and support the region’s economic growth. NCFI’s commitment to international standards and European funding opens these projects to the participation of foreign companies, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Sources:
- TrafficNews BG ( geometrical )
- National Company for Infrastructure (NCFI)
