On 31 March 2011 European Parliament Committee on Regional Development Chair Danuta Huebner visited metro station 10-II (at Hemous Hotel) in Sofia and the tunnel beneath Cherni Vruh Blvd. and familiarized herself with the construction activities. The visited sites are part of Stage I of the Sofia underground extension project, financed under the European Regional Development Fund through OP Transport. Currently, finishing works are carried out at the metro station. The tunnel beneath Cherni Vruh Blvd. (between stations 10-II and 11-II - James Baucher) has been fully excavated and hydroinsulation and gunned concrete is to be laid on the primary facing.
Huebner was impressed with what she has seen. In her opinion the construction of the second line is carried out in accordance with schedule as next year the passengers would already be able to avail themselves of the facility. Huebner stressed that the underground is environmentally-friendly transport that will have positive impact on the environment and will reduce the harmful emissions in the capital. She praised the construction of parking areas that would allow more passengers to use the underground. Danuta Huebner also underscored that it would be good, if there are more such EU-financed projects in the country.
Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, EU Funds Minister Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technologies and Communications Ivailo Moskovski, the CEO of the project beneficiary, Metropoliten EAD, Stoyan Bratoev as well as representatives of the contractor and the engineering consultant for the section were also present at the inspection.