Ruse Strengthens Its Role as a Key Transport Hub

The Bulgarian city of Ruse is further consolidating its position within the Danube transport corridor. Under the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021–2027, an intermodal terminal will be constructed in Ruse with total investments of approximately €59 million, of which more than €49 million will be provided through European funding.

The terminal will be built on the site of the former Ruse-East marshalling yard. The project includes the construction of a new railway station with seven tracks, the restoration of rail connectivity to the Danube Bridge (Danube Bridge Ruse–Giurgiu), and a new road access from the Northern Industrial Zone. The infrastructure complex will also comprise administrative buildings, loading and unloading facilities, a customs checkpoint, warehouses, parking areas, and landscaped zones.

National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) has already launched a public tender for the design and construction of the facility. Upon completion, the terminal will be operated by a private entity, in line with European practices of public–private infrastructure management.

Comment from the Institute of Danube Research

According to the Institute of Danube Research, the development of the intermodal terminal in Ruse represents a strategic enhancement of multimodal integration along the Rhine–Danube axis.

“Ruse is evolving into a critical junction connecting river, rail, and road transport. This significantly strengthens the competitiveness of the Danube route and improves logistical connectivity between the Balkans, Central Europe, and the Black Sea region,” stated Vitaliy Barvynenko, Director of the Institute of Danube Research.

Experts underline that the project will contribute to increased cargo throughput, reduced handling times, and deeper integration of the Bulgarian–Romanian cross-border region into the trans-European transport network.