Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijević, accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Li Ming, visited the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway construction site. Sofronijević stated that the railway is expected to become operational in July, pending the issuance of the necessary operating permits.
The minister highlighted that physically, the railway construction is essentially complete, including tracks, electrical systems, and signaling equipment. On the 108.7-kilometer section from Novi Sad to Subotica and the Hungarian border, all 73 engineering structures are finished. However, some station buildings—including those in Subotica and Novi Sad—are undergoing re-inspections to ensure full safety and compliance, especially considering some unexpected underground tunnels discovered at the Subotica station, which is a protected cultural monument.
Sofronijević emphasized the importance of safety and legal compliance, noting that no part of the railway will be used without official operating permits. These permits will be issued in stages for the 15 sections of the route once all inspections and documentation adjustments are complete. The ministry aims to meet the planned July opening.
The ministry is also coordinating with Hungarian authorities to potentially shorten passport control times, allowing border checks to take place either in Belgrade, Budapest, or during the train journey, to facilitate smoother international travel.
Chinese Ambassador Li Ming described the Belgrade-Budapest railway as a flagship project of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and a symbol of strong Serbia-China cooperation. He noted the success of the Belgrade-Novi Sad section, which has transported over 12 million passengers since March 2022, significantly improving travel and boosting Serbia’s economy. Ambassador Li expressed optimism about the timely completion and operation of the entire railway line, reinforcing the close ties between the two countries.
