The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has launched the construction works for Niš rail bypass, which is part of the project of modernisation and reconstruction of the Niš – Dimitrovgrad railway.
“Building this bypass history is being written. This is a rail project that will not only boost the development of Niš but also the whole of Serbia. When we will have a high-speed railway from Belgrade to Niš, it will be much faster to travel to Greece and Turkey,” Aleksandar Vučić said.
The project includes the construction of a new 22.4 km single-track electrified railway between the Red Cross and the connection with the rail system in Pantelej settlement, in Niš area.
Recently, the rail infrastructure manager Infrastruktura Zeleznice Srbije signed a EUR 153.6 million contract for the construction of the bypass. The project also includes the construction of Niš Sever, Pantelej and Vrežina stops.
“We expect a great acceleration and progress in construction on the Belgrade – Niš railway in the months ahead, especially the southern part, closer to Niš from Stalać, Đunis to Niš. When the railway is completed, it will reach Belgrade to Niš in 40 minutes. Electric trains will be able to travel 160 kilometers per hour, and the Niš rail bypass is an integral part of the Niš – Dimitrovgrad railway,” Aleksandar Vučić said.
The single non-electrified Niš – Dimitrovgrad railway project covers the modernisation and electrification of 96 km and includes the bypass around Niš. This spring, the President has launched the modernisation of Pirot – Sukovo rail section on the Niš – Dimitrovgrad railway.
The President also emphasised that discussions will be held with the European Union in order to complete the section of the railway from Niš to Preševo. “Then we only have North Macedonia to talk to. After that, we will reach Thessaloniki and Athens at incredible speeds,” the President said adding that the Belgrade – Niš railway is one of the most important projects for the Government of Serbia.
Belgrade – Niš – Preševo on the Corridor X is the mainline providing cross-border connection with North Macedonia and the 151 km Niš – Preševo rail section needs modernisation and expansion to ensure smooth train services. EUR 448.7 million is the estimated value of the Niš – Preševo line modernisation, of which EUR 7.3 million has been secured as grants and EUR 250 million in loans.
These projects are part of Serbia’s 2027 development strategy which is estimated at EUR 12 billion.
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