Macedonia completes Skopje railway bypass to divert cargo traffic

The reconstruction of the Drachvo–Ilinden railway segment, forming a bypass around Skopje, has been completed. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski and J.P. Rail Infrastructure director Sinisha Ivanovski inspected the line and conducted test runs. The newly built section will handle exclusively freight traffic, allowing cargo trains to avoid the city centre, which is expected to reduce air pollution and accelerate movements on the Pan-European Corridor 10. Nikoloski said technical acceptance is pending, with cargo services anticipated within about twenty days. He also announced that the first urban tram line – the “City Train” – is planned to start on 1 September, running from Zelenikovo through Drachvo to Skopje’s centre. In a concurrent visit to the municipality of Gjevgjelja, Nikoloski highlighted the bypass’s role in making Macedonia more attractive for cargo transport and improving regional competitiveness.