Škoda Bulgaria Metro Launch: Czech Rail Tech Advances, 90km/h Speed

Škoda Group unveils the first **Sofia metro train**, a four-car unit, for Bulgaria. Delivery of the new **trains** is planned for the first half of next year.

Škoda Bulgaria Metro Launch: Czech Rail Tech Advances, 90km/h Speed
October 8, 2025 3:54 am
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Introduction

Škoda Group has launched the first four-car metro train for Sofia, Bulgaria, from its manufacturing site in Pilsen, Czechia. The approximately 80m train set is part of a contract with Metropoliten EAD to supply a total of eight trains, valued at approximately Kč1.6bn ($77.07m).

Train Manufacturing and Testing

Škoda is manufacturing the trains at its plants in Pilsen and Ostrava, Czechia. The first metro train is undergoing type and test runs at the Velim test circuit. The second train is in factory acceptance testing, and two further trains are in the production stage.

Project Timeline

Škoda Group board member and COO Zdeněk Sváta stated that the project is progressing according to plan. The first vehicle is scheduled for transport to Sofia in November, with completion of the entire order expected in the first half of next year.

Technical Specifications

The metro train has a maximum design speed of 90km/h and operates on a third rail supplying 750V DC. The new trains will primarily operate on lines 1, 2, and 4. They are equipped with three-phase asynchronous motors and regenerative braking systems. Each train provides more than 580 passenger spaces, including approximately 120 seats, and features barrier-free boarding and designated areas for wheelchair users. An automatic speed control system manages speed and train separation. Each car has four double-leaf doors per side.

Sofia Metro System and Recent Contracts

Sofia’s metro system, operational since 1998, serves around 400,000 passengers daily across four lines, spanning more than 52km and over 50 stations. In July, Arriva Group announced a €300m ($349.3m) contract with Skoda for 22 electric multiple units in Czechia.

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Conclusion

The first four-car metro train for Sofia has been launched by Škoda Group. The new trains are expected to be delivered to Sofia by the first half of next year. The trains have a maximum design speed of 90km/h and operate on a third rail supplying 750V DC.

Company Summary

Škoda Group: A Czech train manufacturer.

Metropoliten EAD: The Bulgarian operator.

Arriva Group: Announced a contract with Skoda for 22 electric multiple units in Czechia.

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