Nikolloski announces construction of two new railway lines in Skopje

Construction of a high-speed railway line directly connecting the New Railway Station with Petrovec International Airport is expected to begin next spring in Skopje.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikolloski announced that the journey from the city center to the airport terminal will take just 8 to 11 minutes.

The initiative is part of a plan to modernize the railway system and transform public transportation in the capital.

Authorities are planning to expand the network after the first urban train line becomes operational. A new railway stop is expected to be built near the 11 Oktomvri Baraka neighborhood, in the Municipality of Kisela Voda. The plan also includes bicycle facilities and coordinating the schedules with JSP public transport lines.

The plan also includes the construction of two additional railway lines.

The second line will run along the route New Railway Station – Autokomanda – Maxhari – Cento – Ilinden – Agino Sello.

The third line will connect Volkovo – Gjorce Petrov – North Skopje – Butel – New Railway Station.

Nikolloski said citizens had responded positively to the urban train from its first days of operation. According to him, the use of electric trains will significantly reduce travel time from the outskirts to the city center.

At the same time, the Ministry of Transport is taking steps to renew the railway fleet.

Through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), five new electric locomotives are being secured, which will be used to electrify freight transport.

Meanwhile, in cooperation with the World Bank, the procedure for purchasing 4 to 6 new modern passenger trains is being finalized. The trains will comply with European standards and will have dedicated spaces for bicycles and pets.