Serbia is set to revitalize its rail infrastructure with the help of a €50 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This funding will support the urgent procurement of materials needed for upgrading critical sections of the national railway network. Serbian Railways Infrastructure, in collaboration with the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, will lead the project.

The goal of this investment is to enhance the overall quality of Serbia’s rail infrastructure, with a focus on increasing operational speeds and reducing the risk of derailments. The project will also improve the reliability and safety of passenger and freight services, encouraging a shift towards rail transport.

The loan agreement was signed by Serbia’s Minister of Finance, Sinisa Mali, while the project agreement was endorsed by Goran Vesić, Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, and Jelena Tanasković, Acting Director General of Serbian Railways Infrastructure. Representing the EBRD, Matteo Colangeli, Director and Regional Head for the Western Balkans, also signed the agreements.

Jelena Tanasković emphasized that the project will rehabilitate approximately 194 km of tracks across Serbia, which is part of the broader 1,100 km rail network that will benefit from the upgrades. Additionally, the state-backed initiative aims to construct a high-speed rail link between Belgrade and Subotica, with trains capable of reaching speeds of 200 km/h. These efforts align with Serbia's modernization plans, which seek to restore nearly 2,000 km of railways in the coming years.

Goran Vesić highlighted the significance of the loan, particularly for improving safety and efficiency on key rail segments. He also announced that the high-speed rail line between Belgrade and Novi Sad will be extended to Subotica, allowing passengers to travel from the capital to northern Vojvodina in just 70 minutes.

EBRD's Matteo Colangeli underscored the importance of investing in rail infrastructure as a priority for the region. The loan, part of the nearly €1.1 billion already dedicated to Serbian rail projects, is a key step in promoting rail as a preferred mode of transport, boosting economic growth, and supporting Serbia’s green transition.

The EBRD, a major institutional investor in Serbia, has invested over €9 billion in 362 projects across the country, with a strong focus on private-sector growth, green energy, and sustainable infrastructure.