The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched the second competitive funding procedure for intermodal operators, making EUR 10.65 million available in the form of grants for the modernisation and development of terminals for combined transport.

The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, under the ‘Transport Connectivity 2021–2027’ programme, and aims to increase the efficiency of freight transport and strengthen links between modes of transport.

The total value of the non-repayable funding amounts to EUR 10,652,770, and each project is eligible for support ranging from EUR 766,937 to over EUR 2 million.

Projects may be submitted by operators of rail, river, maritime, logistics and freight forwarding terminals in the North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-East and South-Central regions of Bulgaria.

The funds are intended for the modernisation and expansion of existing terminals in the country’s less developed regions and may be used for the purchase of equipment specific to intermodal transport, the implementation of specialised IT solutions, and the construction or refurbishment of rail and road infrastructure and freight handling platforms.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the main objective of the call is to support intermodal operators and improve connectivity between rail, road, maritime and inland waterway transport, thereby contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable logistics chains.

Under the ‘Transport Connectivity 2021–2027’ Programme, Bulgaria is placing particular emphasis on the development of intermodal transport, which is considered essential for shifting a larger proportion of freight traffic from roads to rail and waterways. This strategy is aligned with the European Union’s objectives of reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of transport modes with a low environmental impact.

Through eligible investments, operators will be able to modernise terminal infrastructure, purchase equipment for handling intermodal units, digitise logistics processes and improve rail and road connections to terminals. These measures are designed to reduce operating times, increase the efficiency of logistics flows and facilitate the rapid transfer of goods between different modes of transport.

The programme also aims to reduce development disparities between Bulgaria’s regions by stimulating investment in less developed areas and creating better conditions for logistics operators and transport companies.

Applications for funding must be submitted exclusively in electronic format via the ‘E-application’ module in the ISUN information system.

Following the evaluation of projects, funding will be awarded on a competitive basis, with priority given to investments that contribute most significantly to the development of the intermodal network and to enhancing the competitiveness of freight transport in Bulgaria.