Belgrade-Budapest HSR: Serbia’s Rail Transformation & Corridor Xb

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Introduction

On 3 October, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić inaugurated the Novi Sad – Subotica high-speed rail line, a key component of the Belgrade – Budapest railway project.

Main Content

Inauguration and Route Details

The inauguration of the Novi Sad – Subotica line included a maiden journey. This new route is part of a broader 183-km corridor connecting Belgrade to Subotica, designed for speeds up to 200 km/h. The inaugural journey, which lasted one hour, was attended by Serbian government officials and representatives from Hungary and China. The high-speed connection is projected to extend to Budapest by March 2026, reducing travel time between the two capitals to 90 minutes.

Testing and Infrastructure

Test runs on the 108 km double-track section from Novi Sad to Subotica and the Hungarian border at Kelebija began one year prior to the opening, ensuring compliance with European standards. The project encompassed the full modernization of the existing railway, construction of a second track, and the installation of ETCS Level 2 signaling. The project also included 58 new buildings, 30 overpasses, 13 underpasses, four bridges, nine reconstructed railway stations, and three entirely new stations.

Investment and Financing

The total investment in the Novi Sad – Subotica line reached EUR 938 million. EUR 843 million (85%) was financed through a loan from the Chinese Export-Import Bank, and the remaining EUR 148.6 million (15%) came from Serbia’s national budget. The contract was signed in 2018, and construction began in 2021.

Strategic Significance

The Novi Sad – Subotica high-speed rail line is a key section of the international rail Corridor Xb, which connects Budapest through Novi Sad and Stara Pazova, extending toward Belgrade. The opening of the 75 km Belgrade – Novi Sad high-speed line in March 2022 preceded the Novi Sad – Subotica line. The Belgrade – Budapest railway, spanning 350 km (183 km in Serbia and 167 km in Hungary), is expected to reduce travel time between the two capitals to 2 hours and 40 minutes once fully completed. This project is part of Serbia’s rail investment strategy leading up to 2027.

Conclusion

The Novi Sad – Subotica high-speed rail line, inaugurated on 3 October, forms part of the Belgrade – Budapest railway project and is a component of Corridor Xb. The project, which has a total value of EUR 938 million, is expected to improve passenger and freight transport efficiency.

Company Summary

Chinese Export-Import Bank: A financial institution that provided a loan of EUR 843 million for the Novi Sad – Subotica high-speed rail line project.

Technology

ETCS Level 2: European Train Control System Level 2 signaling was installed as part of the railway modernization.

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