Russia's RZD Intl proceeds to 2nd phase of Serbian railway project

"During the second phase, RZD International will carry out reconstruction of the Vreoci-Valjevo section, which could not be accessed on a full scale during the peak tourist season," the Russian company said in a statement.

The works will include full rehabilitation of more than 14.8 km of tracks, installation of six road crossings, repair of seven overpasses and 11 bridges. In addition, the overhead catenary system will be replaced throughout the full length of the 42 km-long section, RZD International said.

The Resnik-Valjevo project, an investment of $80 million (66.4 million euro), is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.

The first phase of the project, which started in July 2016, involved the reconstruction of the 35 km-long Resnik-Vreoci section and the Bela Reka tunnel as well as the installation of signalling and catenary systems, while station tracks were completely repaired and rails and sleepers replaced, RZD International added.

The reconstruction of the Resnik-Valjevo line is funded with a $800 million loan extended by Russia to Serbia's state-run railway operator Zeleznice Srbije in January 2013.

($ = 0.82949 euro)