On the occasion of the 28th anniversary of commercial operations, the metro system in Bulgaria's capital Sofia has announced new expansion plans. According to the plan, the construction of approximately 3 kilometers of new track and three stations, specifically located under Vladimir Vazov Boulevard, will be completed by the end of this year. This project is part of the long-term development strategy for the Sofia metro network, which has received funding from the European Union. The goal is to expand the total length of the entire metro network to 61 kilometers by the end of 2027, increasing the number of stations to 56 and achieving a daily passenger service target of 500,000.

The Sofia metro expansion project involves not only the physical extension of tracks and stations but also the introduction of new trains to meet the growing needs of the network. The metro management stated that the current expansion work draws on past successful experiences, such as the line connecting to Sofia International Airport. That line began construction at the end of 2012, became operational in 2015, and effectively integrated key transportation hubs of the city.

The ongoing expansion of the Sofia metro network, primarily funded by the European Union since the beginning of this century, has become a reference case for urban public transportation development in the region. Its mature airport connection service has been in operation for over a decade, demonstrating certain service advantages compared to some European cities still constructing similar lines. This infrastructure investment is expected to effectively alleviate urban traffic pressure. By 2027, it is projected to reduce approximately 90,000 car trips daily and achieve environmental benefits by cutting 90,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.