City train line opens between Zelenikovo and Skopje

The first of three planned city-train lines connecting Zelenikovo and Skopje has entered service, with trains scheduled to run eight times daily on the route between Zelenikovo and the Transport Centre.

Symbolic inauguration and project timeline

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski travelled from Zelenikovo to Skopje for a ceremonial ride that marked the official start of operations. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski, the director of the public rail infrastructure company Siniša Ivanovski, and Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski.

Mickoski said the Zelenikovo–Skopje section now meets European standards and that the new service will shorten travel time between the two points. He added that while the measure does not solve all transport problems, it represents progress for mobility and the environment, particularly ahead of the heating season and its related challenges.

Aleksandar Nikoloski described the city train as the beginning of a vision to create a more efficient public transport system, reduce pollution and increase mobility for Skopje residents and surrounding municipalities. He noted that just two years ago many lines and stations were abandoned, but today there is both active cargo traffic and the newly launched city-train service; he also reiterated a promise that the service would start on September 1.

Siniša Ivanovski said the route now features 25 kilometres of reconstructed railway. "Од Зелениково до Скопје сега имаме 25 километри реконструирана железничка мрежа. На оваа делница имаше бетонски прагови од 1959 и 1963 година, а состојбата на пругата беше крајно незавидна, поради што возовите сообраќаа бавно, дури и со брзина од само 20 километри на час. Во овој момент возовите без проблем сообраќаат со брзина од 80 километри на час, а на одредени делови и до 100 километри на час. Од Скопје до Зелениково се стигнува за неполни 25 минути", he added, stressing the shorter journey time.

The first line will include multiple stations and stops, 11 level crossings, and bicycle parking at every station. Authorities appealed to citizens to respect signage at the crossings.

Officials said work continues on designing the second and third lines. The second will link Miladinovci via Ilinden and Madjari to Skopje's central railway station, while the third will run from the central station through Skopje–North and Gjorche Petrov to Volkovo.

The one-way ticket for the city train costs 40 denars, or 70 denars for a return ticket.

Photo: МИА