The traction substation Dimitrovgrad is in operation in the line section Plovdiv - Dimitrovgrad - Svilengrad. Forthcoming is the selection of a Contractor for the reconstruction and electrification of this line section and the tender documentation contains the requirement that the new four traction substations, which will be constructed, be equipped with facilities, the parameters of which should mirror the parameters of the newly-constructed traction substation Dimitrovgrad, the whole equipment for which has been produced by Siemens.Traction substation Dimitrovgrad significantly outmatches the other recently constructed traction substations Simitli and G. Todorov and is among the most modern ones in Europe. The present article reviews the specific features of this substation. In conclusion, the authors underline the outstanding technical excellence of traction substation Dimitrovgrad and the fact that it is ready to be included in a tele-control system. The authors consider it necessary that the remaining four substations (namely, Krumovo, Parvomai, Simeonovgrad and Svilengrad), which will be constructed in Plovdiv - Svilengrad line section, be similarly equipped and be included in a common energy dispatching center.

On 23rd January 2005, BDZ EAD and Siemens signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The joint venture consisting of BDZ EAD and Siemens will be responsible for the final assembly, subsequent overhaul and maintenance of the twenty-five new Desiro diesel train-sets. The site, where the technological processes within the above functions of the joint venture will be performed, is the workshop of Varna Locomotive Depot. The workshop length is about 120 metres and has three rail tracks in it. Currently the workshop is equipped with a crane. In the coming months, Siemens will deliver additional technical equipment for the new specific activities of the workshop. Large-scale reconstruction works will get started as well in order to bring the facility into compliance with the contemporary ergonomic, hygiene and environmental requirements.Initially, the main activity of the workshop will be the final assembly of the diesel train-sets, including the mounting of seats, floor and ceiling panelling, radio equipment, mirrors, etc. In future, it is envisaged that the assembly of aggregates such as engines, air-conditioners, control boards, etc. will be performed in the workshop as well.Twenty-five new work places will be opened for technical experts and workers. The personnel, which will be responsible for the maintenance of the new trains, will undergo training.The first five Bulgarian locomotive drivers, who will drive the new train-sets, have undergone training at the Desiro production site of Siemens in Krefeld, Germany.Some of the major technical specifications of the diesel train-sets in accordance with the requirements of BDZ EAD, are as follows: the diesel train-sets are equipped with electronic system for passenger information. In each car there is an electronic display, on which appear the names of the stations along the route; the cars are air-conditioned; there is a seat for a disabled person in wheel-chair.