Overview
The Railway corridor VIII in North Macedonia is part of the strategic Trans-European Transport Network. The Railway section Corridor VIII is a multi-modal transportation network that includes sea and riverine ports, airports, roads and railways. It begins in Southern Italian ports, passes through Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria, and leads to the Black Sea.
The implementation of the eastern part of Rail Corridor VIII in North Macedonia has progressed through a structured, multi-phase approach. This section of Corridor VIII is approximately 88 km in length and extends from Kumanovo, via Beljakovce and Kriva Palanka, to Deve Bair, located on the border between North Macedonia and Bulgaria.
- Phase I covers a total length of approximately 30.8 km, starting from Kumanovo and ending in Beljakovce. The rehabilitation of this section was completed in December 2024. This railway section is now fully operational.
- Phase II spans approximately 34 km, from Beljakovce to Kriva Palanka, and involves the construction of a new segment of the Trans-European Rail network. The physical implementation is at an advanced stage.
- Phase III covers the final 23 km section, connecting Kriva Palanka to the Bulgarian border at Deve Bair.
The benefits and impact of the project will be very significant. From an international and regional development perspective it creates an east-west link that will boost trade, both in volume and travel time, not only between the contiguous countries but further afield. Economic growth will be stimulated along the line and through its hinterland while inhabitants will benefit from the service and facilities. Broader benefits will come from displacing higher polluting and congesting traffic from roads.
Milestones
- The construction contract to be signed in Q4 2023 at the earliest
- The tender documents are under preparation and the procurement might be launched by the end of March
- Grant agreement: beneficiary plans to sign the grant agreement in the first half of the year (no definitive date)