Serbia has allocated significant funds for the procurement of new electric trains from the Chinese manufacturer CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., aimed at strengthening the country’s railway infrastructure in preparation for Expo 2027.
In November 2024, the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure signed a commercial agreement with CRRC for the delivery of nine electric trains intended for a new urban-suburban railway line that will connect Zemun Polje, Nikola Tesla Airport, and the National Stadium in Belgrade. This project plays a key role in supporting the country’s transport network ahead of Expo 2027.
Of the total contract value of approximately 74 million euros, about 21.6 million euros (2.53 billion dinars) was paid to the supplier in 2024. The payment was secured through the issuance of government securities, with 13.66 million dinars remaining unspent at the end of the year.
In May 2024, then-Minister of Construction Goran Vesić signed a Protocol of Understanding with CRRC Chairman Liu Chanqing to formalize the procurement of these trains, which will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. Delivery is expected by December 31, 2026.
In a separate initiative, the government also approved the acquisition of five electric trains capable of reaching speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour. This procurement is part of a separate contract with CRRC signed in 2024, valued at 54.5 million euros. To fund this, an additional 2.28 billion dinars was reallocated from proceeds obtained through international bond issues.
These projects are part of a broader national strategy to modernize and expand Serbia’s railway network. When complete, the BG Voz system is expected to include 39 new trains operating across seven lines, offering improved connectivity throughout the capital and surrounding areas.
