Macedonia rolls out €1 million World Bank‑backed rail reform

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski signed a €1 million grant agreement with World Bank Macedonia’s director, Carol Mejevan, to fund a comprehensive restructuring of the state rail operator MŽ Transport. The government said the reform aims to transform rail traffic, citing recent growth in both passenger numbers and cargo volumes.

The plan includes legal changes that saved the enterprise from potential bankruptcy, procurement of new electric locomotives (at least five units), and the acquisition of modern rolling stock. Investment will also fund the construction of new lines: the first urban‑rail route is near completion, tenders for a second line from Ilinden to the new railway station and a third from Gjorgje Petrov to the same station are expected this year, with completion targeted for late 2027 or early 2028. Additional projects involve extending the western branch of Corridor 8 and linking to Corridor 10.

Nikoloski emphasized that the reform is part of the EU Growth Plan and that further EU‑funded initiatives will continue to modernise Macedonia’s rail network.