Kumanovo, 11 December 2023 (MIA) - Construction of the first two sections of the railway leading to Bulgaria is developing as planned, within the Corridor VIII regional networking, agreed Minister of Transport and Communications Blagoj Bochvarski, Transport Community director Matej Zakonjšek and Railway Infrastructure director Zoran Trifunovski on Monday.

"The European Union is providing strong support to the construction of this corridor as a requirement for efficient regional networking. With the enormous support of the Transport Community, together with neighbors Albania and Bulgaria, as well as Italy, we have managed to put Corridor VIII on the main map of European corridors, making its completion an imperative, both in road and railway terms," said Minister Bochvarski during an inspection of the construction works near Kumanovo.

He said the construction of the railway is an investment worth EUR 700 million, divided in three stages. The 31km-long Kumanovo-Beljakovce section is the first stage, worth EUR 40 million, set to be completed next year, followed by the second stage (Beljakovce-Kriva Palanka-34km), worth EUR 155 million.

"I have already said that the public call for the third stage (Kriva Palanka-Deve Bair border crossing-23km), worth over EUR 550 million, is to be released by the year-end. An EUR 61 million grant through the EU IPA II component has already been secured for this section, along with additional EUR 149 million to be provided by the Union. I expect lawmakers to shortly endorse the laws on the EBRD and EIB loan agreements, each worth EUR 175 million, thus completing the financial framework," said Bochvarski.

Railway Infrastructure director Trifunovski said three new stations and six stops have already been build along the Kumanovo section.

"The three railway sections will include 22 tunnels and 52 bridges and we hope to close all open issues regarding the entire length of the railroad by the end of 2023," said Trifunovski.

The intention is, he added, to build a modern railway network that will ensure economic growth, swift and efficient transport of passengers and cargo, as well as regional development.

Transport Community director Zakonjšek expressed satisfaction from the construction works, saying Corridor VIII is not only important for the country and its neighbors, but links them with the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, and Corridor X as well.

"Once the railway becomes operational, then we will have sustainable transport in the region," noted Zakonjšek.

He expects the first and second sections of the railway to be completed by 2025, while also highlighting the importance of reforms that enable the sustainability of such projects.

"Let me welcome the adoption of the law in the Parliament a few weeks ago. Projects and reforms should go hand in hand. This is the only way to sustainable transport projects and what we deliver to citizens today, tomorrow and on the long run," said Zakonjšek.

Photo: MIA