New Freight Rail Link Connects Serbia and Croatia for Faster Cargo Transport

The new freight rail link between Serbia and Croatia was inaugurated on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the development of regional connectivity and trade

The 109-kilometer (67.7-mile) line connects the Serbian town of Sid with the Croatian city of Vinkovci, reducing transit times for goods between the two countries by up to 50%.

The project, which cost around €100 million, was financed by the European Union as part of its Western Balkans Investment Framework.

The new rail link is expected to boost trade between Serbia and Croatia,

Which have a combined GDP of around €70 billion. It will also facilitate the transport of goods to other countries in the region, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

The opening ceremony was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean.

“This new rail link is a symbol of cooperation and friendship between Serbia and Croatia,”

Vucic said. “It will make it easier for our businesses to trade with each other and will create new opportunities for economic growth.”

Plenkovic added that the rail link would be a “major boost” for regional connectivity and would help to promote economic integration in the Western Balkans.

Valean said that she was “delighted” to see the completion of the project.

“This new rail link is a testament to the power of cooperation and will have a positive impact on the lives of people in both Serbia and Croatia,” she said.

The opening of the new rail link is a significant step forward in the development of regional infrastructure in the Western Balkans. It is expected to boost trade, economic growth, and connectivity in the region.