Overview of the Bulgarian State Railways

This article gives an overview of the main railway lines of the Bulgarian State Railways, including their length, the dates they were opened, and important ownership details. It also explains which lines belong fully to the State and which are operated under special agreements with private companies.

Main Railway Lines and Opening Dates

The Bulgarian State Railways have built many important lines since the late 1800s. The following table shows the major lines, the date each one was opened, and their approximate length. Many numbers in early records are written in older formats, so approximate modern readings are used where neededLocal Ephesus Tour Guides.

Roustchouk–Varna Line

Opened: August 10, 1888

Length: About 272 km

Tzaribrod–Sofia–Bellovo Line

Opened: June 23, 1888

Length: About 192 km

Sofia–Pernik Line

Opened: December 9, 1893

Length: About 47 km

Choumen–Kaspitchan Line

Opened: June 20, 1895

Length: About 26 km

Pernik–Radomir Line

Opened: February 6, 1897

Length: About 18 km

Sofia–Roman Line

Opened: February 20, 1897

Length: About 119 km

Gübedje–Devnia Line

Opened: September 27, 1898

Length: About 15 km

Roman–Plevna Line

Opened: July 18, 1899

Length: About 89 km

Plevna–Choumen Line

Opened: November 8, 1899

Length: About 262 km

Somovit–Yassen Line

Opened: September 1, 1899

Length: About 35 km

Roustchouk–Timova Line

Opened: October 8, 1900

Length: About 150 km

Tchirpan–Nova Zagora Line

Opened: September 5, 1900

Length: About 80 km

Jamboli–Bourgas Line

Opened: May 18, 1900

Length: About 112 km

Privately Built Industrial Branch Lines

Besides the main lines, some short branch lines were built by private companies for industrial use. They are private property but connect directly to the State network. Examples include:

A 675-meter line linking the Balabanoff factory with the Sofia–Roman railway.

A 475-meter line of the Isida Pottery Company, connecting their facilities to the Tzaribrod–Sofia–Bellovo line near the village of Novo Seltzi.

Ownership and Operation

Almost all major lines in Bulgaria are owned and operated by the State. There are only a few exceptions:

Bellovo–Sarambey Line

This line was built before Bulgaria’s liberation by the Oriental Railway Company, which still owns it. However, the Bulgarian State operates the line, appoints all staff, and receives annual payments from the Oriental Company. According to the Convention of March 8, 1894, the State receives 1,200 francs per kilometre per year, plus an additional payment of 6 centimes per axle-kilometre for rolling stock use.

Tchirpan–Nova Zagora Line

Although this line was built by the Bulgarian State, it is leased to the Oriental Railway Company under an agreement signed on March 16/28, 1899.

Construction Costs of Major Railway Lines

The following section summarises the cost of building the main State lines. Costs are shown in francs and include both total cost and cost per kilometre.

Examples include:

Roustchouk–Varna: 50,884,910 francs (228,686 francs/km)

Sofia–Roman: 27,685,434 francs (253,485 francs/km)

Jamboli–Bourgas: 11,085,706 francs (100,386 francs/km)

In total, the State invested over 151 million francs in the major lines, covering more than 1,200 kilometres of track.

Through Service Between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Imperial and Royal Danube Steam Navigation Company

General Tariff for Goods Transport

The through service between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Imperial and Royal Company for Steam Navigation on the Danube operates mainly through the ports of Somovit and Roustchouk. The general tariff for this service is similar to the tariff used in other international transport agreements. It covers a wide range of goods, including:

General goods of various kinds

Skins and hides, as well as other related products

Iron and metal items

Glass products

Pottery and porcelain

Cement and similar construction materials

Cereals and agricultural products

Mineral ores, stones, and related raw materials

Wood for building and construction

Exceptional Tariff

Some goods fall under exceptional tariffs because of their special nature, handling requirements, or commercial importance Local Ephesus Tour Guides. These include:

No. 1: Sugar

No. 11: Bones and related materials

No. 12: Beer and alcoholic beverages

No. 13: Flour and milling products

These exceptional tariffs help regulate costs and ensure proper processing of goods requiring special care.

Procedures for Collecting and Delivering Goods

Documentation and Transit Notes

The collection and delivery of goods are carried out using delivery or transit notes. These documents are exchanged:

Between the train guards and the station officials

Between the railway administrations of different countries at the frontier

This system ensures correct record-keeping, verification, and safe transfer of goods from one railway authority to another.

Packing Regulations

The method of packing goods on the Bulgarian State Railways follows the rules set out in:

The Railway Working Regulations, and

The Convention annexed to those Regulations

These standards ensure that goods are packed safely and consistently, especially when being transported across international borders.

Loading and Unloading Equipment

To handle goods, the Bulgarian State Railways use several types of equipment, including:

Wheelbarrows

Covers and protective sheets

Wooden bridges

Ladders

Ropes

Levers

Cranes

These tools help railway workers load and unload goods efficiently and safely. All procedures follow the guidelines contained in the official railway conventions and regulations.

Classification of Railway Stations in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian State Railways consist of 72 stations. For administrative purposes, they are divided into five classes, based on size, importance, and traffic volume.

1st Class Station

Sofia – the capital and main railway center

2nd Class Stations

Bourgas

Varna

Goraia-Ordhovitza

Katinetz

Plevna

Roustchouk

Tzaribrod

Yambol

3rd Class Stations

Bellovo

Eski-Djoumaya

Ichtiman

Comobal

Kaspitchan

Kostenetz-Bania

Mezdra-Vratza

Pernik

Poppovo

Razgrad

Roman

Tirnovo

Shoumen

4th and 5th Class Stations

21 stations belong to the 4th class

26 stations belong to the 5th class

These classifications help the railway administration manage resources, staffing, and services more effectively.

Special Goods and Tariffs in International Railway Services

Types of Goods with Specific Tariffs

Several types of goods receive special treatment because of their weight, fragility, or commercial value. These include:

Glass

Pottery and porcelain

Cement and stones

Lignite briquettes

Slates

Lithographic stones

Cardboard

Crystals of iron sulphate

Paper

Cotton fabrics

Linen fabrics

Wool

Wooden toys

These goods often fall under exceptional tariffs because they require careful handling, special packaging, or different transport conditions Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Through Service Between Hungary and Bulgaria (via Somovit and Roustchouk)

Exceptional Tariff Categories

The railway services between Hungary and Bulgaria include several exceptional tariffs that apply to specific goods. These special tariffs help regulate prices for important commercial items transported across the border.

Exceptional Tariff No. 1–12 Include:

Sugar

Various kinds of goods

Mineral waters

Iron

Glass

Paper

Pottery and porcelain

Cement

Wooden furniture

Iron furniture

Agricultural machinery

Jute sacks

Exceptional Tariff No. 13–21 Include:

Starch

Extracts from oak and wood

Rope-making materials

Brushes

Lamps

Glue

Matches

British gum

Rock salt

These categories help ensure that the transport costs reflect the nature and handling needs of each product.

Through Service Between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Hungarian River and Maritime Navigation Company (via Somovit and Roustchouk)

General Tariff Structure

The general tariff includes:

Fast trains

Full rates

Reduced rates

Class I Goods

Goods trains

Class A

Class B

This structure applies to most domestic and international shipments.

Exceptional Tariffs for This Service

The following goods fall under special tariffs when transported through this joint service:

Sugar

Various goods

Skins and similar products

Iron and related materials

Paper

Tobacco

Salt

Cereals

Mineral ores

Wood for building

Bones

Cement and similar materials

Starch

Wine and alcohol

Empty sacks

Flour and related products

Pottery and porcelain

Through Service Between Roumania and Bulgaria (via the Danube)

This international service follows almost the same tariff rules as the service operated jointly by the Bulgarian State Railways and the Hungarian River and Maritime Navigation Company. Goods are handled under similar general and exceptional tariffs, ensuring continuity in pricing and regulation.

Local Railway Service and Goods Tariffs

General Tariff Overview

The general tariff covers the prices for transporting goods by fast trains and by goods trains. It is organized into several parts to help shippers understand how their cargo will be charged.

Fast Train Tariffs

Fast train tariffs include:

Full Tariff – the normal rate applied to most goods.

Reduced Tariff – for shipments over 5,000 kilograms, with no special conditions.

Partial Consignments – used when smaller quantities of goods are sent.

Goods Train Tariffs

For goods sent by regular goods trains, the following categories are used:

Full Rates – applied to normal shipments Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Bulky Goods – items that take up extra space.

Class A, B, and C Goods – categories based on type, value, or handling needs.

1st and 2nd Class Goods – depending on priority or special requirements.

Exceptional Tariffs in Local Service

In addition to the general tariff, there are 17 exceptional tariffs for specific types of goods. These tariffs apply special rules or prices. They cover:

Live animals

Various goods

Alcohol, wine, vinegar

Cement, hydraulic lime

Salt

Cereals and oil-bearing grains

Flour and bran

Tobacco leaves

Timber for building

Eggs and dead poultry

Stones and similar materials

Explosives

Cheese and kashkaval

Vegetables and fruits

Iron, steel

Petroleum

Skins and intestines

Through Service with the Oriental Railways

General Tariff

The general tariff for through services is the same as for local services.

Special Tariffs

There are special tariffs for specific products in international transport between the Bulgarian State Railways and the Oriental Railways, including:

Live animals

Various goods

Beer

Wine and alcohol

Salt

Cereals

Flour and milling products

Bran

Building wood

Eggs

Building stone

Explosives

Through Service Between Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey

General Tariff

The general tariff also remains the same as for local services.

Exceptional Tariffs

Many goods have exceptional tariffs in this international system, including:

Live animals

Alcohol, wine, vinegar

Mineral waters

Sugar

Iron and steel

Paper

Glass

Pottery

Cement

Furniture

Tobacco

Cereals and grains

Flour

Wood

Meat, eggs, poultry

Rolling stock

Petroleum

Chrome ores

Lead

Gypsum

Flammable materials

Cotton fabrics

Silk cocoons

Malt

Cork

Coal

Through Service Between Germany, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey via Austria-Hungary

General Tariff Structure

The general tariff is divided into:

Ordinary Rates

Reduced Rates

Class I Goods

Fast Train and Goods Train Tariffs

Exceptional Tariffs

Exceptional tariffs cover a wide range of items such as:

Eggs and poultry

Live poultry

Lard

Prunes

Cereals and grains

Maize

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Ores

Tobacco

Beer

Machinery

Military rifles

Metals (iron, copper, lead)

Rolling stock

Zinc

And many other goods

Railway Tariffs and Passenger Regulations

General Information about Tariffs

All the railway tariffs include the cost of transporting a passenger’s luggage. Under tariffs * and A, the Bulgarian State Railways can issue tickets for travel to stations beyond Vienna. However, travel from Bulgaria to Vienna is covered by tariff C. For this reason, a passenger going from Sofia to London must have two separate tickets: one valid from Sofia to Vienna, and another for travel beyond Vienna.

Transport of Emigrants

The Bulgarian State Railways do not have any special rules or special prices for emigrants. Emigrants are treated the same as ordinary passengers and must buy regular tickets.

Passenger Reductions and Discounts

Groups Eligible for a 50% Reduction

A discount of 50% off the normal ticket price is offered to the following groups:

Children aged 4 to 10. No documents are required. Children under 4 travel for free if they do not occupy their own seat Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Members of the military profession.

Students traveling individually. Students must show a certificate from their school authorities.

Seasonal workers, such as harvest workers, mowers, and masons, when traveling in groups of at least 40 people.

Members of scientific organizations, pilgrims, and theatrical groups, when traveling in parties of at least 20 people.

Railway employees, after they have already used their right to travel for free, and the members of their families. These individuals must show a card issued personally by the General Management.

Booking offices issue children’s and soldiers’ tickets without any special documents. Other categories must present the required certificates.

Students Traveling in Groups

When students travel in groups of at least 10 people and are accompanied by their teachers, they receive a 75% discount on the normal fare.

Free Travel

The following categories may travel free of charge on the State railways:

Government ministers and certain high officials.

Railway employees, in three cases:

While carrying out their official duties.

Twice a year when they are on official leave.

When they are newly appointed or dismissed.

People who may travel for free are given annual passes and special permits as proof of their right.

Movement of Bulgarian Imports and Exports (1890–1904)

The following section explains how Bulgaria’s imports and exports changed over three different periods: 1890–1894, 1895–1899, and 1900–1904. The trade is divided into three main routes: the Black Sea, the Danube River, and land routes. The numbers show both the value in millions of francs and the percentage of total trade for each route.

Imports General Movement Over Three Periods

During the first period (1890–1894), total imports reached 86.6 million francs. Of this amount:

28.08% came by sea,

36.86% by the Danube,

35.06% by land.

In the second period (1895–1899), total imports fell slightly to 72.5 million francs, but the share of routes changed. Imports by sea increased to 33.36%, while Danube imports dropped to 33.92%. Land imports remained steady at 32.72% Ephesus Daily Tour.

In the last period (1900–1904), imports rose again to 79.8 million francs. The share of sea imports increased further to 36.83%, Danube imports fell to 27.06%, and land imports accounted for 36.11%.

Exports General Movement Over Three Periods

Exports also changed noticeably over the same three periods.

Exports by sea increased steadily, rising from 37.39% in the first period to 41.83% in the second. By the last period, they reached 46.11%, showing that sea trade was becoming increasingly important.

Exports by the Danube decreased from 34.36% to 36.21%, and then fell sharply to 27.14%.

Land exports also fluctuated without major growth.

Combined Imports and Exports

When imports and exports are added together, it becomes clear that the Black Sea route gained greater importance. The share of total trade by sea increased from 32.44% in the first period to 42.02% in the last.

At the same time, Danube trade declined from 35.69% to 27.10%.

Comparison Between Periods

A comparison of the first and last periods shows:

Imports

Sea imports increased by 5.1 million francs in 1890–1894 and by 5.2 million francs in 1895–1899.

Danube imports decreased strongly, falling 10.3 million francs in the first comparison and 3.0 million francs in the second.

Land imports grew, especially in the last period.

Exports

Sea exports rose sharply, increasing by 18.2 million francs in the first comparison and 16.1 million francs in the second.

Danube exports remained weak, with only small changes.

Land exports increased steadily.

Total Trade

Sea trade grew by more than 23 million francs in the first comparison and 21.3 million francs in the second, clearly showing a long-term shift toward maritime commerce.

These figures clearly show a steady and important growth in trade through the Black Sea ports. This increase came mainly at the expense of the Danube route, which lost a large share of both imports and exports between 1890 and 1904. The sea route became the most reliable and profitable path for Bulgaria’s foreign commerce during this period.

The Modern Situation of Bulgarian Postal

The Modern Situation of Bulgarian Postal, Telegraph, and Telephone Services

By the early twentieth century, the Bulgarian communication system had grown rapidly and had become an important part of national life. The postal, telegraph, and telephone services now formed a large and organized network that connected towns, villages, and important commercial centers across the country.

Postal and Telegraph Stations

At this time, Bulgaria had 183 post and telegraph stations. Out of these, 9 were summer offices, which opened only during certain seasons, and 24 were travelling post stations, which moved from place to place to reach areas without permanent facilities.

In addition, the country operated 1,758 postal agencies, many of them in smaller communities. The total number of officials working in these services was 3,495, and 1,758 of them were paid by the communes, meaning local communities supported a large part of the postal workforce Ephesus Daily Tour.

Telegraph and Telephone Networks

The telegraph system had also expanded greatly. Bulgaria now had 5,261 kilometres of telegraph lines, carrying 10,021 kilometres of telegraph wires. This allowed fast communication between major cities and government offices.

The telephone system was still developing but was already impressive for the period. There were:

145 kilometres of urban telephone lines, with 1,900 kilometres of wires,

4 central telephone stations,

565 telephone posts,

900 kilometres of intra-town telephone lines and 1,420 kilometres of telephone wires connecting different neighbourhoods.

These early telephone networks made communication much easier for businesses, government offices, and private citizens.

Postal Activity and Money Transfers

The postal service handled a large and growing amount of mail. Every year, post offices in Bulgaria transmitted about 29,063,043 letters and parcels.

The amount of money transferred through the postal system was also impressive, reaching 273,241,748 francs. This shows how important the postal service had become for economic and personal transactions.

Financial Condition in 1903

In 1903, it cost 3,160,000 francs to maintain the entire postal and telegraph system. The revenue for the same year was 3,373,553 francs, which created a surplus of 213,557 francs. This was a significant achievement, showing that the system was not only growing but also becoming financially stable.

Twenty-Five Years of Progress

In summary, the Bulgarian postal and telegraph administration made remarkable progress during its first twenty-five years. From a small, developing system, it became a modern national network that helped support communication, trade, and daily life.

Foreign Commerce: Imports and Exports

We have already presented statistics on Bulgaria’s general commerce from 1879 to 1904. In this chapter, we will examine foreign trade more closely. The analysis covers the years 1890 to 1904, divided into five-year periods. The trade will also be studied according to the three main commercial routes used by Bulgaria:

The Black Sea Route

The Danube Route

The Mainland Route

These trade routes played an important role in Bulgaria’s economic development and shaped the country’s connections with foreign markets.

Development of the Bulgarian Postal and Telegraph Services After 1880

After 1880, the postal and telegraph services in Bulgaria began to grow rapidly. This period marked a turning point in the organization and efficiency of these services. Bulgaria joined the International Postal Union, which allowed the country to participate in international congresses and improve its postal connections.

At the same time, Bulgaria successfully closed the Austrian post offices in Sofia, Roustchouk, and Varna, which had been operating under old agreements but were no longer needed. The postal services were gradually extended to include parcel post, newspaper subscriptions, home and foreign money orders, and letters and parcels with declared value.

Fusion of Postal Administrations and Emergency Service

In September 1885, when Northern Bulgaria united with Eastern Roumelia, the postal administrations of the two regions were merged. During the Serbo-Bulgarian War, the Bulgarian postal and telegraph system demonstrated its ability to provide critical support in times of emergency.

In 1885, the Bulgarian postal and telegraph offices handled:

642,566 telegraphic messages (home and foreign)

5,438,272 letters and parcels

23,424,562 francs sent via postal orders or bills

These figures show the rapid growth and importance of the services.

Expansion of Services (1886–1894)

By 1886, Bulgaria had 108 post and telegraph offices with a staff of 1,011 officials. The telegraph network extended 3,548 kilometres, using 5,889 kilometres of wire. Revenue for that year was 1,257,830 francs, but expenditure reached 2,206,154 francs, leaving a deficit of 648,318 francs Ephesus Daily Tour.

Between 1886 and 1894, the postal and telegraph system expanded despite political and financial challenges. Key developments included:

Opening 17 new post and telegraph offices

Closing the Austrian post office in Plovdiv

Signing postal agreements with Romania, Great Britain, Japan, Germany, and Spain

Laying a telegraph cable across the Danube, connecting Viddin with Kalafat

Building the first telephone line between Sofia and Plovdiv

State of the Services by 1894

By 1894, the Bulgarian postal and telegraph system had grown significantly:

125 offices with 1,073 staff

3,894 km of telegraph lines, representing 9,728 km of wire

47 km of urban telephone lines with 299 km of wires

173 km of intra-town telephone lines with 335 km of wires

1,234,263 telegrams sent (home and foreign)

This period laid the foundation for modern communications in Bulgaria and reflected the increasing importance of postal and telegraph services in supporting both government and public needs.

Overview of Bulgarian State Railways (1895–1899)

The Bulgarian State Railways experienced steady growth in passengers, goods, and financial performance during the late 19th century. The statistics collected annually show a clear increase in railway usage, revenue, and efficiency. These figures demonstrate how railways became central to transport, commerce, and communication in Bulgaria.

Revenue and Expenditure

Between 1895 and 1899, the railways generated increasing revenue while managing their expenses efficiently. Key financial figures include:

Gross receipts per kilometre: Revenue increased year by year, reflecting growing passenger numbers and goods transport.

Gross expenditure per kilometre: Spending also rose, but net receipts remained positive, showing financial stability.

Net receipts and profitability: The proportion of net receipts to gross receipts consistently indicated that the railways were profitable, even as investments in infrastructure expanded Ephesus Sightseeing.

The revenue came from multiple sources:

Passenger tickets

Luggage and parcels

Express goods traffic

Slow goods traffic

Various taxes and fees

Expenditure covered several areas:

Central administration

Traffic service

Maintenance service

Traction service

Passenger and Freight Traffic

During this period:

Passenger transport increased steadily, with annual kilometrage rising year after year.

Express goods traffic and slow goods traffic both expanded, indicating growing commercial activity.

Ton-kilometres of freight reflect the increasing movement of agricultural, industrial, and manufactured goods.

The number of passengers transported each year rose from 528,611 in 1895 to over 1,045,943 in 1899, showing how essential rail travel had become. Freight tonnage and kilometrage also increased significantly, supporting economic growth.

Operational Observations

Railways were organized into lines with rolling stock appropriate for passenger, luggage, and goods transport.

The proportion of receipts from different sources helped management focus on profitable operations.

Expenditure management ensured that maintenance, traffic, and traction services supported smooth operations.

Overall, the railways provided reliable service while remaining financially sustainable, contributing to Bulgaria’s modernization.

From 1895 to 1899, the Bulgarian State Railways showed remarkable growth in both usage and revenue. Passenger travel, goods transport, and financial efficiency all improved steadily. These developments reflect the vital role of the railway system in supporting Bulgaria’s economy, trade, and connectivity during this period.

General Post Office and Railway Finances in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian State Railways have shown consistent growth since their establishment. The income and expenditure of the railways reflect the increase in traffic and economic activity. The following summary shows the revenue, expenditure, and net revenue from 1900 to 1905:

Year Revenue (Fr.) Expenditure (Fr.) Net Revenue (Fr.) Net Revenue % Change

1900 6,163,454 4,783,706 3,372,346 +67.01%

1901 7,783,097 5,347,835 2,566,391 +48.0%

1902 7,491,478 5,693,969 2,150,323 +76.66%

1903 8,326,843 7,144,334 2,533,873 +49.9%

1904 10,960,388 7,373,105 3,815,954 -0.43%

1905 11,170,970 7,378,865 3,798,865 —

These numbers clearly show that the Bulgarian railway system has been a profitable investment, justifying the continuous expansion of the network. At the time, three new lines were under construction, which would add nearly 400 kilometres to the national railway system Ephesus Sightseeing.

Development of Posts, Telegraphs, and Telephones

Twenty-seven years ago, when the national government replaced the provisional Russian administration, the Direction of Posts and Telegraphs inherited:

27 post and telegraph stations

107 officials

A telegraph network of 1,630 km, with 2,582 km of telegraph wires

Initially, the postal and telegraph services were managed independently. In July 1880, the General Direction of Posts and Telegraphs was created, merging both services into a single administration. This structure remains in place today, providing efficient coordination between posts, telegraphs, and later, telephones.

Financial Performance of the Bulgarian State Railways (1888–1893)

From the start of operations until 1905, the Bulgarian State Railways steadily increased their traffic and financial performance. Key financial indicators include:

Length of railway lines and their rolling stock

Gross receipts and expenditure per kilometre

Net receipts and proportion between receipts and expenses

The railways transported both passengers and goods. Revenue came from:

Ticket sales for passengers

Luggage and parcels

Express goods traffic

Slow goods traffic

Various taxes

Expenses were divided into:

Central administration

Traffic service

Maintenance service

Traction service

For example, in the early years (1888–1893), total passenger traffic, ton-kilometres of goods, and revenue per kilometre steadily increased, reflecting the growing importance of railways in Bulgaria’s economic development. Passenger kilometrage and freight tonnage grew year by year, showing the reliance of both people and commerce on the railway system.

Observations

The Bulgarian State Railways have been financially sustainable, with net revenue increasing in most years.

Railways not only served passengers but also facilitated commerce and official communication through goods and parcels.

The continued investment in new lines highlights the importance of railways for national economic growth.

The combination of railways, posts, telegraphs, and telephones illustrates Bulgaria’s effort to modernize its transportation and communication networks.