Bulgaria Expects Millions in Revenue from Danube Bridge 2

Bulgarian Transport Minister, Danail Papazov, expects BGN 4 M in revenues by the end of the year from Danube Bridge 2, which is officially opening Friday.

Speaking for the Bulgarian National Radio, Papazov explained the money will be invested exclusively in infrastructure.

He said he had a deadline of three months, issued by Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, to negotiate and reach an agreement with Romania to lower the toll fees for the use of the bridge, adding if Romania refuses to do so, Bulgaria will reduce the toll unilaterally.

According to Papazov, the idea to build a Danube Bridge 3, which was just launched Thursday, could materialize in the not so near future if money for the investment is found.

He commented on the issue with unfinished infrastructure near the bridge in saying improvements were planned for the next program period.

"There is a road now, but connections are in poor state, particularly in the last kilometers to the bridge. I hope in the next program period this will change for the better, along with roads connecting the cities of Vidin, Vratsa and Montana. This will increase traffic additionally. I am very optimistic about the future of Danube Bridge 2," said the Minister.

Regarding the so-called Act 16, clearing the bridge for use, signed by the Vidin Mayor with a "particular opinion," Papazov explained the bridge can operate without any problems, but added he would meet with the Mayor immediately to learn about the issue first hand.

The Minister confirmed the government's intention to stop the privatization of the freight unit of Bulgaria's indebted State Railways, BDZ, on grounds a serious strategic investor was very unlikely to materialize. He pointed out revenues could be generated through the sale of buildings no longer needed by BDZ.

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