North Macedonia has launched a new train service between the capital, Skopje, and the northern city of Kumanovo, aiming to improve connectivity between the two urban centers.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, announced that the first train departed on Monday, marking a significant step in reviving the country’s railway network. The journey takes 41 minutes, and the train will run twice daily, departing Kumanovo at 6:30 AM and returning from Skopje at 4:30 PM.

At certain times, the train will extend its route to Beljakovce, and upon the completion of the railway line, it will reach Kriva Palanka, a city near the Bulgarian border.

The initiative is part of North Macedonia’s broader efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure and promote railway travel as a sustainable alternative to road transport.North Macedonia has been working on revitalizing its railway system as part of its EU integration efforts and regional connectivity initiatives. The Skopje-Kumanovo railway is a key segment of Corridor VIII, a pan-European transport corridor linking Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. The completion of the line to Kriva Palanka would bring the country closer to connecting with Bulgaria’s railway network, enhancing trade and mobility in the Balkans.