The Sub-Balkan railway line has once again found itself on the front line in the battle between time and infrastructure. Late last night, at 10:45 PM, train traffic between the Gurkovo – Tvarditsa stations was suspended due to serious damage to the contact network, caused by hurricane-force winds. Not a documented incident, but a real clash with an atmospheric force that doesn't ask if we're ready.
The speed and gusts of wind in the area were strong enough to cause damage to the power supply of the railway line – one of the most vulnerable elements in such meteorological conditions.
Immediately after the incident, emergency teams were formed, which are currently working on repairing the damage and restoring the voltage in the contact network. The Gurkovo – Tvarditsa section is not random – this is an area where the terrain and the channelling of air masses often amplify the wind to dangerous levels.
Working on railway infrastructure during hurricane-force winds is slow and risky. Any attempt to quickly restore power can lead to new accidents or serious incidents. Therefore, the process is proceeding carefully, with safety as a priority.
In order not to completely block travelers on the Sofia – Karlovo – Burgas route, a temporary transport organization has been introduced. Passengers from the affected trains are transported by bus in the Tvarditsa – Dabovo section, while the railway traffic is being restored.
Although inconvenient, this is standard practice in such situations and the only way to avoid complete transport chaos.
This is not an isolated incident, but part of a wider picture. In recent hours, the country has been under the influence of a dynamic atmospheric situation, in which sharp barometric differences lead to powerful wind gusts, especially in the passes and Sub-Balkan regions. It is there that the railway infrastructure is under the most serious pressure.
Until the damage is completely repaired, delays and changes in the schedules on the Sub-Balkan line are possible. The recommendation to travelers is to follow the current information and prepare for temporary inconveniences.