Bulgarian infrastructure operator NRIC has outlined its plans for the modernisation of the Vidin – Sofia railway line. The initial plans focus on the Vidin – Medkovets line section in particular. The modernisation and reconstruction of 45 km of the line has a budget of €2.3 billion. The project will see part of the line being reconstructed on a more direct alignment requiring extensive civil engineering work. The new alignment will shorten the Vidin – Sofia line by 14 km. It will be electrified and laid with heavier rails to increase line speed for passenger trains to 160 km/h and for freight trains to 120 km/h while meeting the latest European Union’s standards for safety, reliability, and interoperability. The line will form part of the TEN-T network.
