Skopje, 9 April 2024 (MIA) - Together we will transform the Macedonian Railways and make it European and modern. With the liberalization we have launched a new chapter for the railways and created new opportunities, but there is no need for concern regarding your jobs, Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs, Fatmir Bytyqi, said at a ceremony Tuesday marking the 151st anniversary since the establishment of Macedonian Railways.

The Deputy PM said liberalization would mean more funds for the modernization of railroads and the expansion of the railroad network, thereby increasing the efficiency and efficacy of rail traffic in the country.

“We shouldn’t fear liberalization but accept it as an opportunity to make use of our strategic location,” Bytyqi said.

Bytyqi noted the connection and short distance to the Port of Piraeus, as one of the largest transport hubs in Southeastern Europe.

According to the director of the Public Enterprise for Railway Infrastructure, Zoran Trifunovski, the railway remains the main driver of transport and development, “which is why,” he said, “the focus is on investments.”

“We are planning the connection with Bulgaria alongside the EU accession by 2030,” Trifunovski said, noting that documentation is being prepared for the construction of the western rail route of Corridor VIII, as well as project documentation for the rehabilitation of Corridor X.

The project for a regional high-speed railway was highlighted as a key project at the ceremony.

The liberalization of Railways formally and legally began at the beginning of 2024, with freight transport. 

Photo: MIA Archive