The Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Goran Vesić, announced on RTS that financing for the Belgrade-Niš railway project is secured, with construction expected to proceed in phases. Initial work could commence as early as next year and is anticipated to last three to five years, with traffic remaining uninterrupted during this time. Once completed, the railway will extend 437 kilometers of high-speed rail.
Recently, the Serbian Government approved the spatial plan for the railway, which will modernize existing tracks across three segments: Velika Plana – Gilje, Paraćin – Stalać, and Đunis – Trupale, totaling approximately 109 kilometers. Following these upgrades, trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. The European Commission has recognized Serbia’s alignment with EU transport standards in its annual progress report.
Minister Vesić expressed pride in this assessment, highlighting Serbia’s significant compliance with EU regulations. He noted that since 2000, the EU has provided over one billion euros in transport aid, emphasizing the government’s commitment to pursuing EU integration.
The government is currently preparing eight new transport-related laws, expected to enter parliamentary procedure soon, aiming for adoption in the first quarter of next year. These reforms are part of Serbia’s strategy to align more closely with EU standards.
Regarding funding, Vesić mentioned that the EU plans to allocate 500 billion euros for infrastructure corridors, which includes Serbia’s access to those funds.
As for the Belgrade-Niš railway, Vesić confirmed that construction will be executed in multiple stages. Tenders are anticipated at the end of this year and early next year, leading to the start of construction without disrupting existing transport routes.
While Vesić could not specify the exact duration for the project, he expects completion within three to five years. The reconstruction aims to position Serbia as a vital hub in the Western Balkans’ transport network, connecting high-speed rail links from Budapest to Piraeus.
Vesić concluded that the project’s financing involves contributions from the state, donations, and favorable loans, ensuring comprehensive funding for the railway’s development.
