The European Union has allocated EUR 134 million for the modernization, reconstruction, and electrification of the Niš–Dimitrovgrad railway line, a strategic section connecting Serbia to Bulgaria and part of Corridor X.
The financing package includes a EUR100 million loan from the European Investment Bank and a EUR 34 million EU grant, mainly for the construction of a rail bypass around the city of Niš.
Modernization of the Sićevo–Dimitrovgrad section and the Niš rail bypass
The funding will support the modernization of the Sićevo–Dimitrovgrad railway section, the electrification and installation of signaling systems along the entire Niš–Dimitrovgrad line, and the construction of a railway bypass to reduce traffic pressure through the city of Niš.
According to the European institutions, the investments will lead to increased capacity, improved safety, and better quality rail services, while also helping to reduce traffic congestion in the Niš hub.
With this new package, the European Union’s total support for this project amounts to EUR 342 million, of which EUR 234 million is in the form of EIB Global loans and EUR 108 million is in the form of EU grants.
Project supported by JASPERS and WBIF
The project has benefited from technical assistance through the JASPERS and Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) programs, which have supported the advanced preparation of the Niš railway bypass and the implementation of the Niš–Dimitrovgrad line upgrade.
Robert de Groot, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, said the project is essential for regional economic integration.
“As part of an international transport network connecting Serbia with EU countries, this project is critical for economic integration, stimulating trade and attracting investment. It will improve the quality and reliability of domestic and cross-border rail services and support the transition to greener transport,” said de Groot.
Part of Corridor X and the TEN-T network
The Niš–Dimitrovgrad line is an important section of Corridor X, which is part of the Western Balkans–Eastern Mediterranean European Corridor connecting Central Europe with the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean ports.
“The modernization of the Niš–Dimitrovgrad line is part of a broader program of investment in sustainable transport, supported by the Team Europe initiative. These investments will strengthen regional connectivity and bring lasting benefits to citizens and businesses in Serbia,” said European Union Ambassador to Serbia Andreas von Beckerath.
Increased speed and traffic volumes
The infrastructure upgrade will increase the average speed from the current 50 km/h to 120 km/h. The project is expected to lead to a significant increase in demand for rail transport, with the annual number of passengers expected to rise from around 170,000 to around 550,000, and the volume of freight transported from 3.2 million tons to around 6.2 million tons per year.
Serbia: electrification of the last non-electrified section of Corridor X
Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijević said that work began at the end of 2023 and that the new financial agreements create the conditions for the continued modernization of the line.
“This modernization ensures better connectivity with the TEN-T network and is an essential step towards the electrification of the last non-electrified section of Corridor X.”
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