June 2026, Sofia — Bulgaria's Ministry of Transport and Communications has announced that modernisation works on the strategic Plovdiv–Svilengrad railway corridor are entering their final phase, marking a significant milestone in enhancing rail connectivity with Türkiye. The project forms part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and is designed to improve both passenger and freight operations across one of the region's busiest rail gateways.
The upgraded corridor includes the construction of a second railway line between Krumovo and Svilengrad, new signalling and telecommunications systems, electrification upgrades and modernised stations. Once completed, the infrastructure will support higher train frequencies, reduce operational bottlenecks and improve border processing efficiency at the Kapıkule–Svilengrad crossing. Authorities also expect customs procedures to become faster, enabling smoother movement of international freight trains.
The investment is intended to strengthen the European Union's Orient/East-Med Corridor by increasing interoperability between the Bulgarian and Turkish rail networks. The improved route is expected to shorten transit times, enhance reliability for international logistics operators and accommodate growing demand for rail freight as supply chains increasingly shift towards lower-emission transport solutions.
The project builds on earlier modernisation efforts along the Bulgaria–Türkiye railway corridor, which upgraded line speeds and electrification to support higher-capacity passenger and freight services. The latest phase focuses on removing remaining infrastructure constraints at one of Southeast Europe's most important international rail crossings, reinforcing the corridor's strategic role in connecting European and Asian markets.
As governments continue investing in international rail corridors, the Bulgaria–Türkiye project reflects a broader trend towards expanding cross-border interoperability, improving freight resilience and strengthening rail's role as a sustainable alternative for regional and intercontinental transport.
Source: Railway PRO
Bulgaria–Türkiye Rail Link Nears Completion to Boost Cross-Border Capacity
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Strengthening cross-border rail infrastructure remains a priority for improving freight competitiveness and regional connectivity across Europe. Bulgaria and Türkiye are advancing a major rail link upgrade that is expected to ease border congestion, increase international rail capacity and support growing trade flows between Europe and Asia.
