Construction efforts are advancing on Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII, a vital railway link connecting the Bulgarian ports of Burgas and Varna to Albania through the territories of North Macedonia and Albania. According to Aleksandar Nikoloski, North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, work on the railway segment spanning from Kriva Palanka to the international tunnel is anticipated to commence this summer. Nikoloski reported that the public procurement process for selecting a supervisor for the third, and most complex, section within North Macedonia has been launched.
Furthermore, a tender for selecting a contractor is expected to be announced within the next ten days. During a meeting with representatives from the European Commission and the EU Delegation in Skopje, discussions focused on the project’s ongoing status. Nikoloski expressed hope that numerous international companies would apply to supervise the challenging third railway section.
Regarding the joint tunnel construction, he stated that progress remains positive. While the second section (from Beljakovce to Kriva Palanka) is experiencing slower advancement, all 16 tunnels have been excavated, with completion projected around 2028. The overall target completion date for the entire railway line remains 2031/2032, with an estimated cost for the rail and road components reaching approximately EUR 5 billion.
The meeting also addressed the crucial northern segments connecting towards Albania. This includes the reconstruction of existing lines through key areas such as Skopje, Tetovo, Gostivar, and Kicevo, as well as the subsequent stretch from Kicevo through Ohrid and Struga to the Albanian border.
Topics: #north #macedonia #kriva
This railway link could significantly improve trade and connectivity across the entire region.
What are the expected timelines and logistical challenges for completing the railway section through North Macedonia and Albania?