Today, for the first time in its history, Serbia procured trains for speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, which are intended for passenger traffic on the high-speed line Belgrade-Novi Sad-Subotica, said the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Tomislav Momirovic.
Momirovic stated that three electric trains were procured at a price of around 62.2 million euros.
After signing the contract on the supply of three high-speed trains with the Swiss company Stadler, Momirovic pointed out that the section Belgrade Center-Novi Sad will be completed at the end of this year and added that he expects the first test runs of those trains to begin at the end of the year.
“I expect that we will establish a commercial line to Novi Sad in February next year,” said Momirovic.
He adds that those three modern electric trains for speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour were procured in an open public procurement procedure, completely in accordance with the Law on Public Procurement and other regulations of Serbia.
“The only bidder who submitted a bid was the renowned Swiss manufacturer Stadler, with a bid price of 62,197,200 euros including VAT,” Momirovic said.
He explains that these are three state-of-the-art, two-storey electric motor sets, of exceptional comfort, which are marked Stadler JIS 200.
He points out that in accordance with the model contract from the tender documentation, which the bidder agreed to, the required deadline for the delivery of the first train is October 31 this year, and the second and third on December 31, reports Tanjug.
“These are the most modern European trains, of excellent performance, beautiful design, comfortable, and the total capacity of the seats is 316, including places for accommodating people with reduced mobility. Wi-Fi internet, displays that show seat occupancy, mini bar, are just some of the benefits that will be available to passengers,” stated Momirovic.
With those trains, says the minister, we are leaving behind dirty and neglected trains and railways in which, as he states, no one has invested for years.
“These trains will be the image and opportunity of modern Serbia, which keeps pace with the most modern technologies, which is ready and able to invest in the future and complete unimaginable projects,” said Momirovic.
The sales director for Central and Eastern Europe of the Stadler company, Zeljko Davidovic, points out that the agreement with Stadler would not be possible without good cooperation with “Srbijavoz” and the Ministry of Construction.
He points out that trains are usually delivered in two to two and a half years, and that the contract is an agreement with Serbia to deliver the first train in eight months.
“Stadler will turn his production on its head so that we can deliver trains by the end of the year. This is a great day for our company as well, because this is the first fast train that we deliver to Eastern Europe, it is another sign of our quality,” said Davidovic.
He expressed hope that the Stadler company would cooperate with Serbia on some future projects.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia, Urs Schmid, pointed out that Stadler is among the world’s leading train manufacturers and expressed satisfaction that Serbia will have some of the best trains.
“I would like to praise Serbia’s current efforts to expand and upgrade transport infrastructure, and I am convinced that this will boost the economy,” the ambassador said.
He pointed out that Switzerland is a reliable partner of Serbia and that it has become one of the most important donors and investors, Politika reports.
