Sofia Metro: Expansion Plans for Lines 1 & 2 – New Stations & Trains

Sofia’s Metro system is planning expansions to two of its lines, Line 1 and Line 2, according to announcements made by Nikolay Naydenov, Director of “Metropolitan” EAD, to Radio Sofia. The announcements coincided with the 28th anniversary of the first section of the Sofia Metro becoming operational on January 28, 1998.

Expansion Plans Underway

Current Progress

Currently, the Metro is working to add 3 kilometers of track and three new stations along Vladimir Vazov Boulevard. Nikolay Naydenov stated he anticipates these stations will be operational by the end of July. Additionally, 12 new train cars, sourced from two different companies, will be added to the system in two phases throughout the year, with some specifically allocated to Line 3, which will be extended under Vladimir Vazov Boulevard.

Did You Know? The Sofia Metro first opened on January 28, 1998, with a 6.4 km line and 5 stations.

Future Development

Looking ahead, the Metro anticipates beginning the expansion of Line 1 from the Lyulin station to the Ring Road by the end of 2026, or at the latest, the beginning of 2027. This project involves approximately 2 kilometers of new track and two additional stations. Simultaneously, procedures are nearing completion for expanding Line 2 towards Studentski Grad, adding 5 kilometers of track and 5 new stations.

Expert Insight: Expanding the Metro system, particularly towards areas with high passenger volume like Studentski Grad, represents a strategic investment in Sofia’s transportation infrastructure. Successful completion of these projects could significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve accessibility for residents.

Naydenov indicated that, contingent on securing funding, work on the Line 2 expansion could begin in 2027-2028, with completion potentially around 2033.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current daily ridership of the Sofia Metro?

The Sofia Metro currently serves 470,000 passengers each day.

How long is the current Metro network?

The current Metro network spans 52 kilometers of track and includes 47 stations.

When did the Sofia Metro begin operating?

The first section of the Sofia Metro began operating on January 28, 1998.

How might these planned expansions impact the daily commute for residents of Sofia?