Srbijavoz to borrow EUR 42 million for purchase of new sleeping cars – Trains to Thessaloniki, Villach, Vienna, Munich, Prague again?

The Government of Serbia has adopted the Draft Law on the Confirmation of the Guarantee Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, by which Serbia guarantees the obligations of Srbijavoz under a loan intended for the purchase of 12 new sleeping cars.

Namely, as stated in the explanatory memorandum to the law, the state signed a Guarantee Agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on October 31, which guarantees the obligations of Srbijavoz under a loan of EUR 42 million.

The agreement stipulates that the Republic of Serbia, as the guarantor, unconditionally covers all financial obligations for Srbijavoz, including the repayment of principal and interest under the Loan Agreement, as well as the fulfillment of all other obligations arising from that agreement.

The project includes three parts: the procurement of new sleeping cars, Public Transport Obligation (PTO) fees and donor-funded technical assistance, including the engagement of consultants to review the PTO contract in accordance with international standards.

The planned completion date of the project is December 31, 2028.

Currently, only four sleeping cars in the fleet

Currently, the Srbijavoz fleet has four sleeping cars, between 40 and 60 years old, which do not meet European Union standards and are limited in speed and technological capacity, making them unsuitable for international lines.

The procurement of 12 new high-standard sleeping cars, capable of speeds of up to 200 km/h, is, as stated, a strategic step in the modernization of the company. A significant increase in the quality of services, an increase in capacity and strengthening of competitiveness in the European market is expected.

The new sleeping cars will enable more comfortable and safer travel, and Serbia will reportedly re-establish direct rail connections with key European destinations, including Thessaloniki, Villach, Vienna, Munich and Prague.

I. Z.

Vlada Republike Srbije

EBRD Evropska banka za obnovu i razvoj Beograd

Srbijavoz a.d. Beograd

Draft Law on the Confirmation of the Guarantee Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

sleeping cars

procurement of sleeping cars