Skopje, 24 July 2025 (MIA) - Most of the funds from the agreement with the UK will be allocated to the railway, rail infrastructure, and the transport corridors. The high-speed railway from Tabanovce to Gevgelija, once construction begins, is expected to be completed within five years, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said Thursday evening.

“The first effects of the railway will be seen sooner, for example, the section between Veles and Skopje will be built more quickly, but the entire line is expected to be completed within five years,” Nikoloski said during an appearance on Janko Ilkovski’s show on TV Sonce.

Regarding tourism and the increased number of airline routes, Nikoloski stated that the results are already visible, in May alone, compared to the same month last year, the country saw 101,000 more tourists, with Skopje being the most visited destination.

“Since we came into office, 11 new routes have been introduced from Skopje and Ohrid airports. In May alone, there were 101,000 more tourists than last year. Tourism is the fastest-growing sector, with a 20% increase compared to 2023. Skopje leads in growth, followed by Ohrid. That’s logical, tourism is shifting toward major cities, and Skopje is now on the map,” Nikoloski said.

He announced that after the tourist season, the Ohrid Airport will undergo reconstruction, for which UNESCO has given a positive opinion.

“We received a positive opinion from UNESCO for the reconstruction of Ohrid Airport, and I have instructed that the works begin in October, once the tourist season is over,” he said.

Asked about his expectations for the local elections, he said he anticipates a strong and convincing “ultra mega” victory, citing both recent polling data and the positive reactions from citizens during public meetings, as well as their favorable view of the Government’s work.

“Tomorrow we will be in Gevgelija for the opening of the so-called Western Boulevard, a bypass that has been promised since the communist era. We are reconstructing all the streets in the city, and for the first time, a bridge is being built at the highway entry and exit points. Citizens are witnessing these developments, and as a result, our support in Gevgelija is substantial. Similar projects are planned for every city,” Nikoloski said.

He also cited Kavadarci as an example, where, he said, both Mayor Mitko Janchev and the Ministry of Transport are investing.

“At the moment, water supply and sewage systems worth €3 million are under construction, and €7 million is being invested in new streets. A bypass around Kavadarci is also being designed, to be built by the Public Enterprise for State Roads, with an estimated value of around €30 million. We're also planning a road to Greece, to open a third border crossing that would pass below Kavadarci and connect on the other side near Loutraki. Additionally, we're working on a Kavadarci–Negotino bypass and a direct connection to the highway,” Nikoloski said.

Photo: MIA archive