Multimodal Logistics Platform Sofia- West (Rail- Road Terminal Voluyak)

ongoing

As part of the Global Project Modernisation of Sofia Railway Node, the Action concerns the further development of the Multimodal Logistics Platform (MLP) Sofia-West, an existing small rail¬road terminal. The MLP Sofia-West is located on the core TEN-T network, on the Orient/East- Med Core Network Corridor (OEM CNC), the Rail Freight Corridor 7 (RFC 7), Rail Freight Corridor 10 (RFC 10) Alpine/Western Balkans (AWB) and is a core rail-road terminal. The main problems and needs the action will address are: - Lack of high-capacity intermodal terminal in the area of Sofia accessible for use by all operators on a non-discriminatory basis - Lack of intermodal terminal able to handle 740 m long trains - Inefficient performance of existing rail-road terminals due to their location and unfit connection with both railway and road networks - Infrastructure bottleneck that hampers the freight transport shift from road to rail. The development of MLP supports the implementation both of the TEN-T Core Network and the EU Rail Freight Corridors by creating an access point to the rail freight system, both for conventional rail traffic and intermodal traffic, providing possibility to handle 740m long trains, in a region where comparable infrastructure is missing. It will increase the modal shift from road to rail, improve efficiency of transport allowing for longer trains freight, and will contribute to a more sustainable modal composition of the transport system, to meet EU climate neutrality and zero pollution targets by 2050. The Project is including design and works for construction of connecting and siding rail tracks, able to handle 740 m train length, multimodal and operational areas, related infrastructure, rail systems and equipment for intermodal loading units.