Direct rail line Trieste-Belgrade might soon become reality

A direct rail connection between Trieste and Belgrade might soon become reality, for both those who remember it and the new generations, who only know about this line from stories. The route that would pass through Ljubljana and Zagreb has the potential to attract as many as 260,000 passengers a year. The key actors, including the Central European Initiative (CEI), are already working on a feasibility study for the project and plans for the improvement of the infrastructure, says the press release that has been published by Italian media, and which has been cited on the nekretnine.rs portal.

Feasibility study reveals potential of new route

The Executive Secretariat of the CEI, with the seat in Trieste, in cooperation with the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and the Secretariat of the Transport Community, had commissioned a feasibility study from the Polytechnic University of Milan. The aim of the study was to identify the infrastructural challenges and possibilities for establishing a direct rail connection between Trieste and Belgrade. The analysis encompassed the existing bottlenecks on the route and proposed solutions for the improvement of the international rail corridor.

Great potential for mobility and regional development

A new direct line could bring numerous benefits, from a considerable increase in the number of passengers to the development of economy in the region. Experts estimate that as many as 260,000 people would use this connection annually, which would stimulate mobility between two key European destinations. In addition to that, the project has the potential to reduce traffic jams, contribute to a reduction of the emission of harmful gases and provide a sustainable alternative for traveling.

Infrastructure as key challenge

The current rail infrastructure on the route between Trieste and Belgrade is facing numerous challenges, but there are plans for its improvement through regional and European projects. The planned investments include the modernization of railways and the elimination of the obstacles which are slowing down the traffic at the moment. The improved infrastructure would not just enable safer and quicker traveling, but also increase the competitiveness of rail transport relative to other forms of transport.

In the past years, Serbia has been investing a lot in the reconstruction and development of rail traffic. A part of the rail routes has been reconstructed and modernized and put into operation, which is why this idea is promising in the first place. However, there is still no concrete date or year for when the Belgrade-Zagreb-Ljubljana route might be completed.

Why is this important for the region?

This initiative not only connects two important European cities, but is also a step toward the improvement of environmentally sustainable transport. A direct rail line can reduce the load on road traffic, incite sustainable development and contribute to a better integration of southeast Europe into wider European transport networks, ANSA reports.

The project holds great potentials, but its success will depend on close cooperation between all the parties involved – from governments and rail operators to local communities. What’s probably the most important in this whole idea is the opinion of common people, who have been wishing for a renewal of the rail line to Trieste and a cappuccino with a croissant in an outdoor caffe on the Unity of Italy Square.

Central European Initiative

CEI

Secretariat of the Transport Community

Polytechnic University of Milan

Friuli Venezia Giulia region

direct rail line Trieste Belgrade

Trieste Belgrade train

Belgrade Zagreb Ljubljana train