On November 12, 2026, Bulgarian authorities confirmed a major procurement agreement for 16 new Škoda metro trains. This investment follows an international tender completed in December 2025 and a contract that became effective in September 2026.

The acquisition brings the total number of Škoda trainsets ordered since 2023 to 24 units (96 carriages total), replacing legacy Russian-built rolling stock to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

Infrastructure & Fleet Specifications

The new fleet is designed for high-capacity urban transit, operating on both underground and above-ground sections of the Sofia network.

  • Fleet Volume: 16 new trains (adding to 8 already in service).
  • Train Configuration: 4 carriages per train, totaling nearly 80 metres in length.
  • Passenger Capacity: Up to 762 passengers per train.
  • Performance: Design speed of 90 km/h with automatic speed control.
  • Technical Upgrades: Regenerative braking systems to return electricity to the power supply during deceleration.
  • Accessibility: Dedicated zones for wheelchair users, passengers with reduced mobility, cyclists, and families with pushchairs.

Network Expansion & Timeline

The rolling stock upgrade coincides with a larger municipal transport project valued at nearly €800 million, supported by a €282 million grant from the Development of the Regions Programme 2021–2027.

Key Project Milestones:

  • Delivery Window: All 16 vehicles are expected to be delivered within two years of the November 2026 announcement.
  • Line 3 Extension: 6-kilometre expansion adding six new stations.
  • Line 1 Extension: 1.9-kilometre expansion adding two new stations.
  • Complementary Fleet: Procurement of 75 trolleybuses and 50 electric buses.
  • Completion Deadline: December 31, 2029.

Passenger Advisory: Navigating Sofia’s Transition

For passengers and business travelers using the Sofia Metro, including those connecting to Vasil Levski Sofia Airport via Line 4, these upgrades will result in several operational changes:

  • Increased Frequency: The addition of 16 trainsets will allow for shorter headways (wait times) during peak commuting hours.
  • Improved Accessibility: Our analysis of the new carriage specifications indicates a significant increase in "barrier-free" travel, making the network more viable for travelers with heavy luggage or mobility aids.
  • Service Disruptions: Passengers should anticipate localized delays and temporary station closures as the Line 1 and Line 3 extensions are integrated into the active network through 2029.
  • Ticketing & Access: While rolling stock is being upgraded, passengers are advised to monitor official Metropoliten EAD notices for changes in station access during the construction of the eight new stations.

Industry Analyst View

This shift from Russian-built rolling stock to European manufacturers marks a strategic pivot in Bulgaria's infrastructure dependency. By integrating regenerative braking and energy-efficient systems, Sofia is aligning its urban transit with EU environmental mandates. The synchronization of fleet expansion with physical line extensions suggests a coordinated effort to prevent the "capacity bottleneck" often seen when network footprints grow faster than the available rolling stock.

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