Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 27, Hitachi Rail has agreed to provide technical assistance and specialist support to Alokor EAD for the maintenance of signalling systems on Bulgaria’s Sofia–Plovdiv–Svilengrad railway corridor. Alokor EAD is operating under a service level agreement (SLA) with the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC), with Hitachi Rail supporting the maintenance programme.

Alokor EAD operates under a service level agreement with the National Railway Infrastructure Company, with maintenance support provided by Hitachi Rail.

Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will supply and repair spare parts for a substantial portion of the signalling infrastructure. This includes electronic interlockings, the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1, Centralised Traffic Control (CTC), and related field components. The arrangement covers a two-year period and is designed to ensure stable operation of signalling systems across two of Bulgaria’s main rail routes.

The SLA aims to reduce the risk of major equipment failures, facilitate scheduled maintenance, and support consistent rail operations for service providers and passengers.

Manfred Zekl, head of Hitachi Rail Austria and Bulgaria, said: “Hitachi Rail has extensive experience in supporting Bulgaria’s rail infrastructure with advanced technology and reliable service. This agreement reflects our commitment to sustainability and long-term partnerships in European rail transport.”

Hitachi Rail has been active in Bulgaria for nearly a decade, having equipped the nearly 200 km Septemvri–Plovdiv and Plovdiv–Svilengrad lines with 17 electronic interlockings and ETCS Level 1. The company’s involvement has helped enhance the reliability and safety of these key routes.

In addition to its work in Bulgaria, Hitachi Rail recently completed the deployment of new signalling systems on Hungary’s Szajol–Debrecen railway line, improving freight capacity along this important corridor connecting Ukraine and Romania.

The agreement with Alokor EAD demonstrates Hitachi Rail’s continued focus on delivering technical expertise and reliable support for critical rail infrastructure in Europe. By combining experienced personnel, advanced technology, and structured maintenance processes, the company aims to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted rail operations across the region.

Through this initiative, Hitachi Rail also reinforces its long-term commitment to European railway networks, supporting both passenger and freight services with state-of-the-art signalling solutions and proactive maintenance strategies.

The project highlights the role of modern signalling systems, including ETCS Level 1 and electronic interlockings, in maintaining operational stability, optimizing train traffic management, and enhancing the overall performance of national and regional railway corridors.