Bulgaria has signed a 720 million euro ($819.1 million) contract with a consortium led by French train maker Alstom for the delivery and maintenance of 35 Coradia Stream electric multiple-unit trains, Alstom said.
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The 35 inter-regional EMUs trains will be the first provided by Alstom for passenger operation in Bulgaria and the first electric interregional trains purchased in the country in the last 20 years.
The EMUs will be used to service passenger and intercity trains with journey times of up to 4-5 hours.
Developed specifically for the European market, Coradia Stream interregional trains are equipped with the ERTMS Level 2 traffic control system and comply with both European standards (EN) as well as Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs), being capable of operating under all the main European power supply systems.
The maximum speed of the trains will be 160 km/h.
Each train will have six cars, a total capacity of over 320 seats and 100% low floor, ensuring easy access for all passengers.
There will be two entry doors on each side of the middle cars and one door on each side of the end cars.
The passenger information system will include both audio and dynamic visual displays.
Each car in the train will be equipped with large luggage racks.
These Coradia Stream interregional trains will also be equipped with a digital passenger counting system with high-precision sensors, as well as sockets for charging of electronic devices.
Each train will have four modern controlled emission toilets, evenly distributed along the entire length of the train, with one designed for people with reduced mobility.
There will be designated spaces for bicycles and strollers.
The final configuration, colours and finishes will be fully customised according to the requirements of the Contracting Authority during the design stage.
To date, Alstom has sold over 4,000 Coradia regional trains worldwide. Several European countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, already benefit from their performance and comfort.
In total, over 700 Coradia Stream regional trains have already been ordered in Italy, the Netherland, Denmark and Romania.
Coradia Stream also offers emission-free solutions, such as battery and hydrogen powered traction, for non-electrified lines.
In Bulgaria, Alstom is providing maintenance services to the fleet of the national passenger rail operator BDZ, as well as railway infrastructure modernisation in several ongoing projects, of which one is already completed and in warranty phase. ■