On March 19, the Belgrade-Novi Sad segment of the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway marked its two-year anniversary, celebrating a milestone in Serbia-Hungary connectivity. Since its inauguration in 2022, the 75-kilometer stretch has facilitated an impressive 6.83 million passenger trips, highlighting the railway's vital role in the region.
The project, a collaboration between local authorities and companies from the Chinese mainland led by China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), stands as a testament to international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. This partnership not only enhances transportation links but also fosters economic growth and cultural exchange between Central and Eastern European nations.
Looking ahead, CREC anticipates that the remaining sections of the railway will be operational by the end of this year, further expanding the high-speed network and providing even greater convenience to travelers. At the bustling Belgrade Center railway station, early morning queues of passengers eagerly await the arrival of the Coko train, aptly named after the Serbian word for falcon. True to its name, the Coko soars through the tracks, making the journey from Belgrade to Novi Sad in just thirty minutes.
This high-speed connection not only shortens travel times but also enhances the daily lives of locals, offering a swift and reliable alternative to road transport. As the railway continues to grow, it is set to become an integral part of the region's infrastructure, supporting both economic development and the mobility of millions of passengers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
