The net construction cost of the Bulgarian State Railways is approximately 125,322 francs per kilometre. In addition to the railway lines themselves, the rolling stock (trains, carriages, and wagons) represents a significant investment. The cost of rolling stock per kilometre for the main lines is as follows:
Roustchouk–Varna: 2,490,534 francs
Tzaribrod–Sofia–Vakarel: 1,795,615 francs
Sofia–Pemik: 363,434 francs
Pemik–Radomir: 160,641 francs
Sofia–Roman: 1,222,485 francs
Roman–Choumen: 3,651,143 francs
Choumen–Kaspitchan: 260,213 francs
Somovit–Yassen: 394,897 francs
Gübedje–Devnia: 165,197 francs
Roustchouk–Timova: 1,444,406 francs
Jamboli–Bourgas: 1,211,729 francs
The total investment in rolling stock for all main lines is 13,160,294 francs.
Types of Rolling Stock
The Bulgarian State Railways operate a wide variety of rolling stock for passengers, goods, and special purposes. Key categories include:
Passenger Carriages: Royal, first class, mixed-class, and third-class carriages. These vary in the number of seats, distance travelled, and safety equipment Ephesus Sightseeing.
Post Office Carriages: For transporting mail, equipped with separate compartments.
Luggage Wagons: For baggage and small cargo.
Goods Trucks: Covered and uncovered wagons for general goods, grains, cattle, and other freight.
Specialized Wagons: Multi-story wagons for poultry and small livestock, platforms for timber, ballast wagons, and wagons with water reservoirs or alcohol storage.
Crane Wagons: Used for lifting heavy materials.
Each type of carriage or wagon has a specific number, total distance covered, tare weight, braking system, and number of carriages equipped with screw brakes or other safety mechanisms.
Safety and Equipment Features
Most carriages are equipped with the Hardy automatic brake system. Many passenger carriages have alarm signals to ensure safety during travel. Different ventilation systems are used in passenger carriages, with the sliding valve system being the most common.
At the end of 1906, 102 locomotives were in service. The majority were Zwilling two-cylinder locomotives, supplied by reputable German and Austrian manufacturers. No dynamometric cars or electrically lit carriages were yet in use at this time.
Observations on Rolling Stock
Passenger comfort varies by class and carriage type.
Specialized freight wagons help transport different types of goods efficiently.
Safety systems such as brakes and ventilation are in place but still developing compared to modern standards.
The rolling stock reflects a mix of German and Austrian engineering practices, showing the influence of international technology on Bulgarian railways.