As announced by Bulgarian Railways (BDZ) on 6th of September, all railway traffic via Svilengrad is stopped due to heavy flood in Bulgaria.

The train stations in Bulgaria affected from flood are reported as: Lubenovo Predav, Galabovo, Simeonevgrad, Harmanli, Svilengrad, Dimitrovgrad Sever and Radnevo. All shipments to/from these stations are restricted.

Due to flood, all import, export and transit to and from Greece via Svilengrad-Dikea and Turkey via Svilengrad-Kapikule including empty wagons are not allowed either.

The restriction is announced to be valid until further notice.

Metrans and Balo, two railway container lines running between Europe and Turkey, had also announced the restrictions, which affected their container traffic.

With these restrictions, the only rail connection between Turkey and Europe is via Greece, using Uzunkopru-Pythion-Kulata line. A private train service to Turkey from Europe immediately shifted to that line after flood. Using that alternative means at least a few hours of additional transit time.

The opening of line is expected within this week.

Flood in Bulgaria. Photos: Metrans