# Skopje urban train project implementation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/skopje-urban-train-project-implementation
> Updated: 2026-09-06T18:09:45.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3.

The North Macedonian government has inaugurated the “Urban Train” project in Skopje, beginning with an initial line connecting Zelenikovo to the city center. The project involved a complete reconstruction of railway infrastructure to enhance safety and increase speeds to between 80 and 100 km/h on certain sections.

The first 25-kilometer line serves stations including Novo Zelenikovo, Oreshani, Jane Sandanski, Dračevo, and Lisiče. The service aims to provide a faster alternative to driving, with travel times from Zelenikovo to the center estimated at 24 to 28 minutes, compared to approximately 70 minutes by car. Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski noted the project is intended to improve commuting efficiency and reduce pollution.

Following the launch, the service transported approximately 1,500 passengers within its first three days of operation. Nikoloski stated that initial analyses show “strong citizen interest,” with expectations that ridership will eventually exceed 100,000.

Expansion plans for the network are currently underway to connect more suburban areas to the New Railway Station in Skopje. The first planned route is intended to run from the New Railway Station through Avtokomanda, Madzari, Cento, and Ilinden to Agino Selo. A second route would connect the northwestern part of the city, running from the New Railway Station through Butel, Skopje Sever, Volkovo, and Gjorce Petrov to Saraj. Design work for these routes is expected to be completed by the end of October, with tendering to follow. Construction could potentially begin in December or January, depending on weather conditions.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Skopje city train carries 1,500 passengers in first three days

Skopje's new city train carried 1,500 passengers in its first three days. Officials plan to expand the network with two new lines to connect more suburban areas to the city center.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-city-train-carries-1500-passengers-in-first-three-days

### 2026-09-02: Skopje launches new urban train service connecting suburbs to center

Skopje has launched a new urban train service connecting Zelenikovo to the city center, reducing travel time from 70 minutes by car to under 30 minutes by rail.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-launches-new-urban-train-service-connecting-suburbs-to-center

### 2026-08-31: Skopje launches first line of new Urban Train project

North Macedonia has launched its “Urban Train” project, starting with a new rail line connecting Zelenikovo to Skopje to improve regional public transport efficiency.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skopje-city-train-project-begins-operations-on-zelenikovo-line

---
Cite as: Skopje urban train project implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/skopje-urban-train-project-implementation