Serbia and Italy to Restore the Belgrade-Trieste Railway: Major International Infrastructure Project Announced

Serbia and Italy have launched a joint initiative to restore the historic railway connection between Belgrade and Trieste, creating a modern transport corridor for passengers, freight and regional trade.

The initiative was discussed in Belgrade by Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijević and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini.

The future railway corridor is intended to strengthen transport links between Southeast Europe, Central Europe and the Adriatic region. It is expected to improve passenger travel, accelerate freight movement and support stronger economic cooperation between Serbia, Italy and neighboring countries.

A historic connection planned for a modern future

Railway links between Belgrade and Trieste existed in the past and played an important role in connecting the Balkans with the Adriatic and Central European transport networks.

The new project does not simply mean reopening one unchanged historical service. It involves restoring, modernizing and coordinating railway infrastructure along an international corridor so that it can meet contemporary transport, safety and operational standards.

The planned route is expected to pass through Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, linking Belgrade with Trieste and its strategically important Adriatic port.

Faster passenger and freight transport

The project is expected to make international rail travel more efficient and create new opportunities for passenger services between the Balkans and Northern Italy.

Freight transport is also one of the central elements of the initiative. A modern railway corridor could reduce delivery times, improve access to the Port of Trieste and make regional logistics more competitive.

Part of Serbia’s development strategy through 2035

Serbian officials have stated that the restoration of the Belgrade-Trieste railway connection forms part of the country’s wider transport development program through 2035.

The project reflects Serbia’s growing focus on railway infrastructure as a more sustainable form of transport. Modern rail connections can carry large numbers of passengers and significant volumes of goods while reducing congestion and environmental pressure.

Visa D for professional drivers

The meeting also covered plans for an Italian national Visa D for professional drivers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia.

Professional drivers currently face limitations connected with the permitted duration of stay in the Schengen area. A national long-stay visa could make it easier for transport companies and drivers to carry out international operations legally and efficiently.

Serbia and Italy deepen cooperation

Italy has also reaffirmed its support for Serbia’s infrastructure development and European integration. The two countries plan to continue cooperation in transport, trade and major international projects.

Italian companies are also expected to participate in projects connected with EXPO 2027 Belgrade, further strengthening economic relations between the two countries.

If completed, the renewed Belgrade-Trieste railway corridor could become one of the most important transport connections between Serbia, Central Europe and the Adriatic coast.