Alstom, a global leader in sustainable mobility, has announced that it will lead the BULEMU consortium in a new contract with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport and Communications. The agreement involves the delivery of 35 electric Coradia Stream interregional trains and a 15-year maintenance plan. The total contract value is €720 million, with Alstom’s share amounting to €600 million. The BULEMU consortium is a collaboration between Alstom and RVP Invest, a local company that will manage the maintenance facility.
Gian Luca Erbacci, President of Alstom Europe, stated, “These new electric interregional Coradia Stream trains will contribute to a more modern and sustainable transport network in Bulgaria, aligning with our global goal of advancing greener and smarter mobility.”
These 35 trains will mark Alstom’s first passenger trains in Bulgaria and the first electric interregional trains to be purchased in the country in the past two decades. The electric multiple units (EMUs) are designed to serve both passenger and intercity routes, with travel times of up to 4-5 hours.
“The introduction of these trains will support Bulgaria’s rail transport policy by enhancing service quality, reliability, and comfort while reducing emissions,” said Grozdan Karadjov, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications.
The Coradia Stream trains, tailored for the European market, will be equipped with the ERTMS Level 2 traffic control system, meeting European standards (EN) and Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs). Capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, each train will feature six cars with a total capacity of over 320 seats and low floors for easy accessibility. The design includes modern passenger amenities such as dynamic visual and audio information systems, luggage racks, charging points for electronic devices, and designated spaces for bicycles and strollers.
Alstom’s Coradia Stream trains have a proven track record in Europe, with over 700 units ordered in Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Romania. The trains in Italy have been in operation since mid-2019, while Romania began service in November 2024. Alstom also offers battery and hydrogen-powered versions of the Coradia Stream for non-electrified lines.
In collaboration with RVP Invest, Alstom will provide comprehensive maintenance services for these trains, including preventive maintenance, scheduled repairs, overhauls, and emergency services for 15 years. The FlexCare service portfolio will support the lifecycle management of these assets, ensuring optimal performance. Alstom also currently supports the national rail operator BDZ in Bulgaria with maintenance services for its fleet and is involved in several railway infrastructure modernization projects, one of which is already completed and under warranty.
