OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT OF THE PROJECT. The purpose of the Railway Sector Modernization Program (hereinafter “the program”) is to support the modernization of the Serbian railway sector. It is divided into 3 successive phases, from 2021 to 2029. In operational terms, the main objectives are (i) to improve intermodality for freight and passengers; (ii) to improve the financial worthiness of operators; (iii) to improve the efficiency of capital investment; (iv) to improve the maintenance of rail infrastructure; (v) to increase the number of private actors and investments; and (vi) to improve the gender balance in companies. The Serbian government and the World Bank have solicited the French Development Agency (AFD) to co-finance Phase 1 of the program, with the perspective to pursue this partnership under Phases 2 and 3. Phase 1, which is the subject of this financing, comprises three components: - Component n°1 (84.5 MEUR): renovation of railway infrastructure, with priority given to urban mobility (Belgrade station, north-eastern suburban branch to Pančevo), safety (level crossings) and improved asset management; - Component n°2 (8.7 MEUR): institutional strengthening and project management; - Component No. 3 (EUR 8.8 million): facilitation actions for rail modernization, including an "intelligent transport" system (introduction of digital technology). Component 1 prioritizes investments to improve the suburban service on the northeast branch of Belgrade’s railway network as well as the connectivity with Belgrade Centre railway station (“Prokop”). In doing so, it is fully in line with the urban mobility strategy of Serbia’s capital city.
