Passenger Trains Start Going Along Danube Bridge 2

Passenger trans are to be launched through the Danube Bridge 2 connencting Bulgaria's north-western city of Vidin to Romania's Calafat.

Traffic through the bridge began last year, but lack of electricity infrastructure on the Romanian side prevented railroad exploitation.

Ownership issues were also a reason, as until recently it officially belonged entirely to Bulgaria.

Trains passing through the bridge will also enable those traveling to Bulgaria to make in Vidin a connection to Sofia or other locations.

Freight train traffic is also considered as an option, but will depends mostly on demand for such services.

The Danube Bridge 2 project was worth EUR 273 M, out of which EUR 225 M came from Bulgaria. Some EUR 60 M were from the state budget, while the others were secured through loans and EU funds.

Bulgaria hopes that the bridge, alongside other infrastructural developlments, could help to overcome long-standing issues in its north-west, which is considered the poorest region in the whole EU.