Kochani, 2 January 2026 (MIA) – Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told journalists Friday that the country’s projects in rail transport are progressing, noting he expects the tender for the construction of the third section of the Corridor VIII railway to Bulgaria to be published in 2026.

“I am satisfied with how the rail projects are proceeding, we have overcome the delay and the initial inconsistencies with the third section of Corridor VIII and the railway that connects Kumanovo with Kriva Palanka and the border crossing with Bulgaria. We signed an agreement with our eastern neighbor, Brussels came out in support of the construction of the tunnel that should connect the two railways – i.e., the railway in Bulgaria and the one in our country,” Mickoski said during a visit to Kochani.

The PM also spoke about the high-speed railway project along Corridor X, moving from the country’s border with Serbia to the border with Greece.

“Passenger trains on this railway will operate at 200km/h, while freight trains at 120km/h. It will have two tracks, and it is a part of the project with the United Kingdom. Feasibility studies and studies on the socio‑economic impact, as well as the environmental impact, are being developed. I expect this to be done by the end of summer, and then in autumn we will be able to slowly but surely talk about laying the cornerstone,” Mickoski said.

In the meantime, a financier is being selected for the project. “We have one offer which is non-binding and approximate, negotiations on the details are yet to begin, but we need the parameters from the feasibility studies I mentioned earlier. I expect this project to move forward as well,” Mickoski stressed.

Prime Minister Mickoski also noted the development of Skopje’s city rail project worth EUR 6 million. The first stage of the project will allow citizens from the eastern part of the capital to reach the city center by electric train. Mickoski also highlighted the signing of a EUR 25 million contract for the procurement of five electric locomotives.