The project for the construction of a tunnel under Shipka Peak is facing a potential redesign. This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov, during parliamentary oversight in response to a question from GERB Member of Parliament Tomislav Donchev.
The construction of the tunnel, which is 3.22 km long, is part of the "Gabrovo Bypass" project. According to Minister Shishkov, the need for changes arose due to new requirements regarding the design and construction regulations for facilities of this type.
The minister clarified that an analysis of the possibilities for European funding has been conducted. Due to the tunnel's location near the "Bulgarka" Nature Park, the European Commission will not provide funding for it, but there are plans to attempt to secure European financing for the Kazanlak bypass instead.
Ivan Shishkov emphasized that the government does not view the tunnel as competition to the route through the Republic Pass, but is instead working actively on connecting Northern and Southern Bulgaria. "From now on, we will not design and we will not build piecemeal," the minister stated firmly, adding that the goal is to implement complete, integrated projects.