Skopje, 24 October 2025 (MIA) – Works have kicked off on the first section of the City Train project in Skopje – Zelenikovo-Drachevo-Lisiche-Kisela Voda-Aerodrom-Railway Station – and it should be completed in six months’ time and inaugurated next summer. Parts of the high-speed rail, that is set to be constructed, would be in service in 2028, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski said Friday.

“The idea of the City Train project is the existing rail infrastructure to be reconstructed before being included in the city’s transportation. There is a developed system in Skopje. Works began on the first section, Zelenikovo-Drachevo-Lisiche-Kisela Voda-Aerodrom-Railway Station, in recent days. Works will be launched on the two other lines next year in order to be in service as part of a regular public transportation. The first line will be ready in six months, meaning that a city train will be inaugurated next year in the summer,” Nikoloski said speaking to Radio Lider. 

Talks are under way with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the procurement of new locomotives and new wagons, said the Ministry of Transport.

“As regards the high-speed rail, he said feasibility studies are being prepared, construction works will begin next year and it will be completed in five years’ time. Parts of the high-speed rail would be in use in 2028,” said the press release. 

Nikoloski as part of his working visit to the United Kingdom earlier this week met with representatives from the UK Export Finance (UKEF) to discuss the construction of the high-speed rail as a project of national and regional importance that is being implemented with enormous support from the United Kingdom, including both financial support and the transfer of expert knowledge and practices.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said banks have showed interest in financing the high-speed rail with the project starting to be implemented as of next autumn. 

Photo: MIA