Martin Georgiev, head of the Managing Authority of the "Transport Connectivity" Program 2021-2027 at the Ministry of Transport and Communications told BTA that transport policies aim to encourage the use of environmentally friendly modes of transport, to support the development of alternative fuels and to improve the quality of road, railway and port infrastructure.

Georgiev explained that the program has about 1,9 billion euros, with 1,6 billion euros provided by the European Union. The overall policy framework focuses on a low-carbon transport system and the economy in general, but also on supporting connectivity both within the country and with neighboring countries, which is the basis of the trans-European transport network.

The program is divided into several priorities. The first is the development of the railway infrastructure with a budget of around 700 million euros. Another priority is the improvement of intermodality, innovation, modernized traffic management systems, transport security and focus on port infrastructure.

Another priority is intermodality in an urban environment, such as the construction of rail connections to the airports in Plovdiv and Burgas. In the first program period, a small intermodal terminal was financed in the area of ​​the city of Plovdiv and turned out to be quite successful, Georgiev stressed.

The program is also looking at alternative fuels. Georgiev explained that they are currently in talks with the Ministry of Finance to clarify the state aid regime and how it should be applied.

The Bulgarian Port Infrastructure Company managed to complete a major project in the port area of ​​Burgas worth about BGN 70 million, Georgiev stressed. He explained that the project will enable deeper ships to enter the port area and increase the potential to be used for the so-called solidarity corridors for exports from Ukraine and their routing to different EU countries. ./BTA-KosovaPress