Veles–Bitola line to be reconstructed and fully electrified, announces Aleksandar Nikoloski
Minister announces IPA 3 listing, plans to buy five electric locomotives and 5–7 passenger sets with EBRD and World Bank support.
Aleksandar Nikoloski announced that the Veles–Bitola railway will be reconstructed, upgraded and fully electrified, describing the project as a priority for the Ministry of Transport.
Speaking on last night’s episode of the TV show "Samo intervju" on Kanal 5, Nikoloski said the section has been included in the IPA 3 programme and that the EU package should be adopted by the end of the year and become operational from January 1.
Scope, timetable and funding
"Of course, there will be a process of tendering, selection of contractor, execution, but Veles–Bitola has already become a priority. There we will proceed with reconstruction, upgrading and, very importantly, electrification, because now up to the cutoff near Veles it is electric, and after that a diesel locomotive must be used. So, if we have electric, it will be cheaper and environmentally better," he said.
Nikoloski also announced procurement plans for rolling stock and traction. "We have agreed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the purchase of at least five electric locomotives, I emphasize electric; this is in line with the green agenda we are pursuing. And secondly, we are close to an agreement with the World Bank to purchase 5 to 7 passenger train sets, and additionally from own funds, because 'Macedonian Railways – Transport' is already in a much better financial position; I expect them to buy two trains on their own during next year. So, we will have nine new trains in the next two to three years and five new locomotives," he said.
The minister framed the investments as both cost-saving and environmentally beneficial: electrification would eliminate the current need to switch from electric to diesel traction beyond Veles, reduce operating costs and lower emissions.
Implementation will follow standard public procurement steps: tendering, contractor selection and construction works. Nikoloski did not give firm contract dates but stressed that the government has placed the Veles–Bitola section among its transport priorities.
Photo: press material from the event
