New Freight Rail Link Connects Serbia and Croatia for Faster Cargo Transport

A new freight rail link between Serbia and Croatia now connects Belgrade to Rijeka, enhancing logistics in the Balkans. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has launched this route to boost transport efficiency.

Enhanced Trade with the New Freight Rail Link

The new freight rail link allows goods to move directly from the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) in Rijeka, Croatia’s busiest port, to Serbia’s railway network. This connection is designed to streamline regional logistics, saving time and reducing shipping costs for businesses that rely on these transport routes.

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AGCT handles over 70 percent of Serbia’s freight imports and exports, making it essential to Serbian trade. The launch of this route aligns with RCG’s strategy to expand its European network, complementing other recent routes like the Krusevac-Budapest-Duisburg link, which connects Serbian manufacturers to Germany.

Sustainability Benefits of the New Freight Rail Link

The Belgrade-Rijeka TransFER line uses RCG’s locomotives and rolling stock, supporting Serbia’s economy by offering quick and reliable cargo transport. Each train carries up to 76 TEU, with containers between 20 and 45 feet, meeting Serbia’s growing logistics needs.

This rail link also offers a more sustainable transport option, producing fewer CO2 emissions than road transport. Weekly round trips between Belgrade and Rijeka are expected to take up to 24 hours each, providing a reliable and greener alternative for cargo shipping in the region.

As a division of Austria’s ÖBB, RCG has increased its Serbian presence significantly in recent years. It established a Belgrade carrier company in 2023 and partnered with Transfera d.o.o., a major Balkan shipping organization, in 2024 to create a dedicated regional railway shipping company.

Each year, RCG moves over 78 million net tonnes of freight across Europe and Asia, making it one of the continent’s leading freight operators. The new Belgrade-Rijeka route further strengthens RCG’s position, connecting Serbia and Croatia to the broader European and Asian markets through a vast network of 419,000 annual train routes.

This link strengthens economic ties between Serbia and Croatia, supporting the needs of modern supply chains. As businesses seek cost-effective and environmentally friendly shipping solutions, RCG’s rail-based initiatives offer a timely and impactful option.

By focusing on sustainable logistics, RCG’s initiatives help reduce transport costs and environmental impact, while providing reliable service in a demanding market.

Source: www.railadvent.co.uk

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