“Serbian Railways” have offered traditionally good presentation of their freight and container transport, and part a part of passenger service offer, at the 74th International Agriculture Fair, held in Novi Sad (May 12-19). “Serbian Railways” Director General, Milanko Sarancic with associates Deputy Director General Miroljub Jevtic and directors of Freight and Passenger Departments, Vasilije Krstic and Miroslav Stojicic, hosted a press conference, held on May 16 at Fair Master Center.

– Through the past three years “Serbian Railways achieved excellent results, particularly regarding traction, since there are currently 95 locomotives in operation. Our intention is to increase this number to 100 in the next few months. During 2006, we have introduced into traffic 10 Sweden diesel trains. After the procurement of 12 new shunting locomotives, the railways no longer have the problem with oil as a fuel, specified Milanko Sarancic, Director General of “Serbian Railways”.

According to his words, increased number of transport units on Serbian railways was a precondition for the growth of incomes and work volume. The lack of locomotives and wagons has been the reason why the railways had failed to satisfy all the needs for freight transport.

Currently, there is an open tender for the provision of 1100 new freight wagons, financed from the funds of EBRD loan. That will permanently solve the problem of freight service, specified Sarancic and added that they expect the signing of contract with the Kingdom of Spain, amounting 37,5 million EUR, intended for modernization of passenger transport section, and for the provision of ten new diesel multiple-unit sets and 30 passenger coaches.

– We are also waiting the final preparations for realization of 80 million EUR worth credit of European Investment Bank, for modernization of infrastructure on Corridor 10. These funds will also cover the repair of some railway sections: Cele Kula-Stanicenje on the line Nis-Dimitrovgrad, Batajnica-Golubinci, and Gilje-Cuprija-Paracin on the main line Belgrade-Nis. We soon expect electrification of the line from Nis to Dimitrovgrad, which will significantly accelerate transport service on this international railway line – said Sarancic.

– Down to transit transport operating through our country, in the past few years we have scored a great increase of foreign currency incomes. Three years ago, it was 32, and in 2006 reached more than 48 million Euros, which means that the increase was 50 percent. Thanks to these incomes, “Serbian Railways” have settled all the inherited obligations. In April we settled 12,5 million Euros annuity to Eurofima, originating from the end of 80s.

According to his words, they have made an agreement regarding “RoLa” truck transport service with Croatian, Slovenian, Austrian, Turkish and Bulgarian railway company.

– Concerning container transport to Montenegro, we have established transport prices for 20-feet wagons of 499 Euros, and 599 Euros for the 40-feet ones. In cooperation with Railway Integral Transport, we agreed about container routing for distance up to 50 kilometers from Belgrade, stated Sarancic.
He mentioned the intention of “Serbian Railways” to open Call Center on Jun 16, which would significantly improve the quality of railway service.
Regarding passenger transport offer during the summer season, we still have trains operating to Burgas. The offer will also include auto-car to Thessalonica, direct coach to Venice, and regular departures to other European cities as well: Vienna, Moscow, Zurich, Munich, etc. – said Sarancic.