Transport Ministry: Passenger trains between Bulgaria and Ukraine via Romania start in June

Direct passenger trains between Bulgaria and Ukraine via Romania will start operating in June, it was agreed at a meeting in Rousse on April 3, Bulgaria’s Transport Ministry said.

The initiative was discussed earlier this week in Kyiv between Bulgaria’s Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov and Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba, the ministry said.

The April 3 meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Murad Turk, Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Balesta, representatives of the railway companies of Bulgaria, Ukraine and Romania, as well as the Border Police in Rousse. 

The passenger rail link will initially be launched as a seasonal service during the months of June, July and August and will run daily on the route Kyiv – Bucharest – Ruse – Varna and back.

This will make the route one of the longest railway routes in Europe. During the first three months, the line’s workload will be assessed and, if successful, it may become year-round.

“The railway connection with Ukraine is an opportunity to improve transport connectivity and expand logistics routes in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. It will help deepen tourism, cultural and social ties between our countries and promote our economic cooperation,” Turk said.

He said that the pricing of tickets remains to be agreed, and discussions will continue at subsequent meetings.

“This will happen in a short time, so that a balanced solution can be reached that satisfies all participants,” he said.

Representatives of the Railway Administration Executive Agency, BDZ-Passenger Transport EOOD and the National Railway Infrastructure Company confirmed that they have the necessary capacity and technical readiness to restore the railway connection, the Transport Ministry said.

(Photo: © Petar Nikolov)