Skoda Group unveils New Metro Train for Sofia, Bulgaria; First delivery set for November 2025

Sofia, Bulgaria (Metro Rail Today): In a significant boost to urban mobility in Bulgaria, Škoda Group has officially unveiled its new metro train for the city of Sofia. The four-car train, revealed at Škoda’s production facility in Pilsen, Czech Republic, marks the first of eight advanced metro sets ordered by local operator Metropoliten EAD under a €66 million contract.

The new trains will enhance capacity, comfort, and sustainability on Lines 1, 2, and 4 of the Sofia Metro — the backbone of the city’s public transportation network, which currently serves more than 400,000 passengers daily.

“We are proud to contribute to the modernisation of public transport in the Bulgarian capital,” said Zdeněk Sváta, Member of the Board of Directors and COO of Škoda Group. “The first vehicle will be delivered to Sofia in November, and we aim to complete the full order by the first half of 2026.”

Cutting-Edge Design Meets Climate Resilience

Each 80-metre-long metro set is equipped with three-phase asynchronous traction motors and a regenerative braking system, which feeds recovered energy back into the grid. This ensures low energy consumption and supports the city’s environmental goals.

To address Sofia’s partially above-ground metro network and warm climate, Škoda has fitted the trains with high-capacity air-conditioning, barrier-free entry, and two dedicated wheelchair spaces, ensuring a comfortable and accessible ride for all.

“The combination of energy efficiency, accessibility, and advanced safety makes this new fleet a model for sustainable metro development in Europe,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group. “Škoda’s design clearly reflects the evolving demands of next-generation urban transit.”

Key Technical Features of the New Sofia Metro Trains:

• Train length: Approx. 80 metres (four-car set)

• Maximum speed: 90 km/h

• Power supply: 750 V DC via third rail

• Track gauge: 1,435 mm

• Capacity: Over 580 passengers (approx. 120 seated)

• Doors: Four double-leaf doors per car for efficient boarding

• Safety: Automatic speed control and modern braking systems

• Accessibility: Two wheelchair spaces and level boarding

Current Project Timeline:

• 1st Train: Undergoing dynamic trials at the Velim test circuit

• 2nd Train: Completed, in Factory Acceptance Testing

• 3rd & 4th Trains: In production

• First Delivery to Sofia: November 2025

• All Deliveries Completed By: March–April 2026

A Long-Term Commitment to Bulgaria’s Transit Growth

Škoda Group has had a strong presence in the Bulgarian transport sector since 2010, having delivered over 210 trolleybuses to cities across the country. The new metro contract builds upon this legacy, signaling closer collaboration between the Czech and Bulgarian rail industries.

Škoda Group is part of PPF Group, an international industrial holding with operations in 25 countries and over 45,000 employees worldwide. In 2024, Škoda reported revenues of €1.36 billion, reinforcing its status as a major player in Europe’s mobility transformation.

With the unveiling of its new metro trains for Sofia, Škoda Group is setting a new benchmark for accessible, climate-adapted, and energy-efficient urban transport in Eastern Europe. As deliveries begin this November, commuters in Bulgaria’s capital can look forward to a faster, cleaner, and more comfortable travel experience.