On November 15 representatives of Metropolitan EAD visited the headquarters of NEWAG S.A. in Nowy Sącz to participate in the presentation of the train for the newly-built underground line in Sofia, Bulgaria. The guests taking part in the event had an opportunity to see the first vehicle as well as to get to know the whole manufacturing process. The trains for Sofia Metro are being built by Siemens-Newag Consortium and they will be delivered in 2018.
Under the contract, the Siemens-Newag Consortium will supply to Metropolitan EAD twenty three-unit underground trains and traffic control system within 36 months since signing the contract. The contract includes an option for the Client to order additional 10 vehicles.
The new trains are based on the INSPIRO platform i.e., the trains delivered to Warsaw Metro. INSPIRO trains are characterised by high energy efficiency, low operating costs as well as modern design and solutions which improve travelling comfort. The INSPIRO trains for Sofia will additionally have pantographs mounted on the roof allowing them to operate in another voltage system. Additionally, the trains will be air-conditioned due to the fact that these trains will travel both in tunnels and on the ground.
The scope of work for NEWAG S.A. comprises the design and installation of train interiors, train start-up at the company’s Nowy Sącz plant, the delivery of the ready vehicles to the Client as well as providing maintenance services during the guarantee period. At present, the first vehicle is in the final production stage. The next ordered cars are being successively assembled according to the agreed schedule.