[ad_1]
After a 26-year hiatus, a new BDZ locomotive set off in passenger cars from Sofia Central Station.
The modern “Siemens Smartron”, whose graphic vision “Green force” was chosen by public vote, was attached to the Sofia-Varna composition, which started at 10.25.
The locomotive is one of 10 electric locomotives for which BDZ has signed a contract with DZZD Siemens Tron. The first two arrived in Bulgaria a week ago, and the remaining 8 should be delivered by the end of May 2021.
The “Smartrons” have a maximum power of 5,600 kW (7,500 hp) and develop a speed of up to 160 kilometers per hour. The price of one is around BGN 5.5 million excluding VAT, and includes technical support and all necessary spare parts and consumables for a period of 3 years and 600 thousand km, as well as transportation, insurance and start-up.
The last time BDZ bought new locomotives was in 1994 from the 61 series “Skoda”. Eleven years later, the national railway company acquired new Siemens Desiro diesel and electric locomotives, but they are mainly used for short-distance interurban transport.
