The Government of North Macedonia, through the Ministry of Transport, continues with intensive activities on the completion of the railway Corridor 8 to the Republic of Bulgaria, the government press service said.

"Following a high-level meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Bulgaria Grozdan Karadjov, as well as the subsequent working groups from the two countries, the activities on the construction of the third phase of the railway line from Kriva Palanka to the border with Bulgaria, as well as on the construction of the tunnel as a border point, are being specified. Within the framework of these activities, the government today at its meeting adopted a decision to absorb a technical assistance grant in the amount of 3.7 million euros, provided by the European Investment Bank," the statement added.

The selected consultant will prepare new project documentation, as well as the tender procedure for selecting a contractor.

"In order to accelerate the activities, the State Enterprise "Railway Infrastructure" will launch a procedure for selecting a construction supervisor. Through these measures, the government consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects for the country. The construction and modernization of the railway network is a priority for the government and within the framework of these priorities, intensified actions are being taken both for the completion of the railway along Corridor 8 and the construction of the high-speed line along Corridor 10," Skopje emphasizes.

It is also noted that these projects have regional significance and will position the country as a key transit point in the Balkans - part of the European transport corridors, which will bring multiple economic benefits.

"The projects for the development and modernization of the entire railway system represent strategic priorities for the state with the aim of regional connectivity, accelerated economic development and opening new markets for local companies," the statement added. | BGNES