SOFIA, BULGARIA, 09 December, 2025 — The National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC) of the Republic of Bulgaria and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) have signed a Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) Agreement aimed at strengthening the financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and governance of Bulgaria’s railway infrastructure. The agreement marks a significant step toward modernizing the country’s rail sector and supporting Bulgaria’s broader economic and employment objectives.
Under the agreement, the World Bank will advise NRIC on the best international practices of railway governance, financial sustainability, and how to modernize the workforce through skills optimization, reskilling, and upskilling programsto better align with current and future needs and to achieve long-term financial stability.
“Modern, efficient, and well-governed railway infrastructure is essential for Bulgaria’s economic growth and competitiveness. Through this partnership, the World Bank is committed to supporting NRIC in adopting international best practices, strengthening financial sustainability, and modernizing its workforce. These efforts will not only improve service quality and operational performance but will also contribute directly to Bulgaria’s jobs agenda by fostering new skills, supporting workforce transitions, and creating opportunities for sustainable employment in the rail sector,” said Jason Brett Pellmar, World Bank Group Country Manager for Bulgaria.
World Bank Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) are non-lending advisory programs where the World Bank provides technical advice, analytical services, and implementation support to clients, primarily in middle and high-income countries. The client then reimburses the World Bank for the costs of these services. RAS programs provide valuable assistance with the design, planning, and implementation of complex reforms. They are easily adapted to specific country needs and can take many forms, including policy advice; analytical and diagnostic work; donor aid coordination; impact evaluation; program implementation support; training; knowledge sharing, and peer learning.
