On March 19, the Belgrade-Novi Sad segment of the Hungary-Serbia high-speed railway marked its second anniversary. This 75-kilometer stretch, linking Serbia’s capital Belgrade with the city of Novi Sad, has transformed travel for locals and visitors alike, carrying an impressive 6.83 million passenger trips since commencing operations in 2022.
The journey between Belgrade and Novi Sad, once a time-consuming endeavor, now takes a swift thirty minutes aboard the Coko train—named after the Serbian word for falcon. Early each morning, passengers eagerly await the arrival of the Coko at Belgrade Center railway station, as it speeds them across the countryside with the grace and agility of its namesake.
This modern railway is a result of a collaborative effort led by China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), a partnership that underscores the significance of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European nations under the Belt and Road Initiative. The project not only enhances regional connectivity but also symbolizes a bridge between cultures and economies.
The high-speed railway is set to extend further, with CREC estimating that the remaining portions of the line connecting Belgrade and Budapest will be operational by the end of this year. Once completed, the railway will significantly reduce travel time between Serbia and Hungary, promoting trade, tourism, and mutual understanding among the people of these nations.
The Hungary-Serbia Railway stands as a testament to the positive impacts of international collaboration in infrastructure development. For business professionals, investors, and travelers, it opens new avenues for exploration and economic opportunities in Central Europe. For the global community, it provides a model of how modern transportation networks can foster closer ties and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
