THE European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has agreed to lend up to €20.9m to North Macedonia to strengthen the country’s rail sector.
The funding will enable Macedonian Railways Transport (MRT) to purchase up to five new electric locomotives and implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, as part of North Macedonia’s drive to modernise rail freight operations.
The project, implemented by the Ministry of Transport and supported by the Ministry of Finance, will enable MRT to modernise its fleet, enhance its operational efficiency, and improve the safety of its freight operations. It also aims to improve MRT performance by developing a corporate development plan to improv efficiency and financial sustainability.
The plan includes producing an efficiency action plan, with specific measures to refine the company’s tariff methodology, as well as revising and harmonising its public service obligation (PSO) methodology in accordance with European Union (EU) requirements.
“This investment represents an important advance in enhancing the nation's rail freight industry,” says Fatih Turkmenoglu, EBRD’s head of North Macedonia.
“By supporting the renewal of rolling stock and corporate improvements at the national railway operator, the EBRD is helping boost the competitiveness, safety and sustainability of the country’s transport network. The project will not only deliver tangible environmental benefits but also set new standards for operational excellence and equal opportunity in the sector.”
