The joint effort of Serbia and Montenegro for the reconstruction of the Belgrade-Bar railway

Serbia and Montenegro have joined forces in order to restore part of the Belgrade-Bar railway, announcing the cost of reconstruction on the territory of Serbia in the range of 1.5 to 2 billion euros. Goran Vesić, the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of Serbia, stated that a joint approach to the European Commission (EC) is key to obtaining the necessary financial support. He expressed his belief that the EC will recognize the importance of this project in the context of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

Illustration (Photo: Pixabay)

It was signed in Belgrade yesterday Joint letter addressed to the European Commissionsigned by Minister Vesić and Montenegrin Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević. This document confirmed the intention of both countries to fight together for the restoration of this important railway route. The restored railway would allow speeds up to 120 kilometers per hourwhile on certain sections the trains will run at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour, Beta reported.

Vesić stated that he is in Serbia completed reconstruction of the section from Resnik to Valjevowhile the modernization of an additional 210 kilometers from Valjevo to Vrbnica remains. At the same time, Montenegro plans to rebuild 160 kilometers of its railway section. Details of the final costs of the works will be known after the end of the tender procedure.

The minister pointed out that similar initiatives exist with other neighboring countries. Serbia and North Macedonia jointly requested funds from the European Union for the reconstruction of the Brestovac-Skoplje railway, while cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina includes plans for the reconstruction of the Belgrade-Sarajevo railway.

Vesić emphasized that the goal of these projects is to strengthen regional cooperation and better connections with neighboring countries.