Hitachi Rail enhances key rail link from Sofia to Serbian border
Hitachi Rail, in consortium with CERB, has been awarded a contract by Bulgaria's National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) to implement its advanced digital signaling technology, European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on the Voluyak–Dragoman railway line.
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The project builds on Hitachi Rail's long-standing partnership with NRIC and reinforces its position as a trusted leader in modern railway signaling across Bulgaria and Europe.
The contract includes the deployment of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 trackside technology and GSM-R communications along the 35 km double-track line between Dragoman and Voluyak, a suburb of Sofia.
Hitachi Rail will lead the consortium, taking charge of the design, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the ETCS Level 1 trackside system. As part of the collaboration, Hitachi Rail will coordinate with CERB to manage local installation activities and oversee the turnkey implementation of GSM-R system – the mobile communication system used by railways. The project will be delivered over 34 months, with completion expected in line with NRIC's broader infrastructure modernization timeline.
Supporting European Rail Integration
This upgrade enhances a critical cross-border section west of Sofia, improving speed and interoperability on the route to Serbia. As part of the EU's strategic Orient/East-Med Corridor, the project strengthens Bulgaria's role as a key transit country between Central and Southeastern Europe.
Manfred Zekl, Head of Branch Bulgaria, Hitachi Rail, said: "In combination with Hitachi Rail's previous ERTMS deployments, the Voluyak–Dragoman section helps complete a modernized, interoperable rail corridor linking the Serbian border, Sofia, the Black Sea and the Turkish border – supporting more efficient freight flows and reliable international passenger services across the region."
Advanced signaling technology
As part of the Voluyak-Dragoman project, Hitachi Rail is deploying its proven ETCS Level 1 trackside system to enhance train control by continuously monitoring speed and train movements. The system transmits real-time data to onboard units, enabling automatic braking and improved driver support for safer and more efficient operations. Integrated with electronic interlockings, it supports speeds of up to 160 km/h and delivers a fully interoperable, future-ready signaling solution aligned with European standards.
Built on a Proven Track Record
Hitachi Rail has been a reliable partner to NRIC and other contracting authorities in railway construction for over 25 years. With a strong local presence through its project offices in Sofia and Plovdiv, the company has delivered over 250 km of ETCS Level 1 trackside systems, more than 100 ETCS onboard systems, electronic interlockings, a Central Traffic Control (CTC) centre and multiple field elements across Bulgaria. Notable projects include participation in the modernization of the Plovdiv–Svilengrad, Septemvri–Plovdiv, and Plovdiv–Burgas lines.
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