European Commission approves funding for new Sofia metro line

The European Commission has approved an investment of over €368 million for the construction of line 3 of the Sofia metro in Bulgaria.

A €368 million investment form the European Regional Development Fund was approved by the European Commission on the 26 April, to support the construction of the line 3 of the Sofia metro. It is hoped the funding will improve access to the centre of Sofia.

€368 million funding for line 3 of Sofia metro

The project “Extension of the Sofia metro, Line 3, phase I, Boulevard Valdimir Vazov-Centre-Zhitnitsa Street” aims to build almost 8 km of new line and eight new stations linking the residential districts of Suhata reka, Hadzhi Dimitar, Krasno selo, Slaviya, Belite brezi, Lagera, Hipodruma with the centre of Sofia. The line 3 will also enable to reach the residential districts of Lyulin, Mladost, Obelya, Nadezhda, Lozentets, Druzhba, via its connections with lines 1 and 2.

The European Regional Development Fund investment also includes the purchase of 20 Inspiro metro trains to be supplied by Siemens and Newag.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu said: “Environment-friendly public transport systems improve the attractiveness of a city for businesses and tourism, boost the competitiveness of the local economy and increase the quality of everyday life. This shows the tangible and positive impact of ESI Funds investments in Bulgaria.”