SRSM Phase 1
Phase 1 of the SRSM Project, with a budget of EUR 102 million co-financed by IBRD and the French Development Agency (AFD), includes funding for construction work, improving the safety of railway level crossings, strengthening the institutional capacity of railway companies and the Railway Directorate, and developing strategies for integrated territorial development, marketing, and information technology.
Furthermore, Phase 1 introduces digital solutions for railway asset management, timetable creation, train simulation, and crew scheduling, all aimed at improving efficiency and enabling automation across railway companies.
Component
Infrastructure Investments and Asset Management aims to improve the quality and safety of railway infrastructure and enhance asset management practices. It will involve targeted renewal interventions, the preparation of technical documentation for future investments, and upgrading railway crossings throughout the Republic of Serbia. Additionally, a monitoring system for rolling stock conditions will be implemented. To ensure the long-term sustainability of Serbia’s railway investment plan and to support systematic, transparent planning of maintenance and rehabilitation, an Asset Management System will be introduced. Other efforts under this component include procuring a train simulator, equipping locomotives and motor units with cameras and GPS devices and improving the overall safety and security of railway operations.
Component
Institutional Strengthening and Project Management focuses on the institutional transformation of the railway sector to sustain recent reforms and foster modernization. The Government of Serbia has already introduced significant structural changes to clarify institutional roles and contractual arrangements. Building on these reforms, Component 2 provides support for institutional capacity building and the introduction of modern management and digital systems, particularly to promote efficient, customer-responsive, and commercially oriented operations with automated business processes.
Component
Railway Modernization Enablers aims to strengthen the enabling environment for the railway sector. It will support the development of integrated territorial development strategies, new marketing approaches for railway companies, and guidelines to improve the resilience of railway infrastructure, with selected implementations of intelligent solutions to enhance sectoral performance.
Documents
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 1
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 1
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 1
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 1
OTHER DOCUMENTS
Component
Infrastructure Investments and Asset Management aims to enhance the capacity of Serbian Railway Infrastructure for in-house maintenance, which is crucial for maintaining adequate levels of service and safety for both passengers and freight. The focus will be on procuring heavy-duty machinery for routine maintenance of the railway infrastructure with the refurbishment of the selected existing maintenance machinery. Modernization of maintenance facilities is also prioritized to provide IZS with the necessary infrastructure for maintaining machinery and storing spare parts for both routine and emergency interventions.
To ensure continued maintenance while new machinery is being integrated, Phase 2 involves outsourcing routine railway maintenance to a specialized contractor, focusing on high-speed rail segments operating at up to 200 km/h. This will ensure the quality and safety standards across a subset of Serbia's rail network, particularly new, rehabilitated, or upgraded lines.
Additionally, this component continues to support the Railway Infrastructure Asset Management System, which was initiated in Phase 1. Technical documentation, including engineering designs, environmental and social assessments, and economic evaluations, will also be prepared for Phase 3, supporting further rehabilitation and upgrade of the railway network.
To ensure continued maintenance while new machinery is being integrated, Phase 2 involves outsourcing routine railway maintenance to a specialized contractor, focusing on high-speed rail segments operating at up to 200 km/h. This will ensure the quality and safety standards across a subset of Serbia's rail network, particularly new, rehabilitated, or upgraded lines.
Additionally, this component continues to support the Railway Infrastructure Asset Management System, which was initiated in Phase 1. Technical documentation, including engineering designs, environmental and social assessments, and economic evaluations, will also be prepared for Phase 3, supporting further rehabilitation and upgrade of the railway network.
Component
Institutional Strengthening and Project Management aims to deepen the institutional transformation of the railway sector by building on the reforms initiated in Phase 1. The focus will be on institutional capacity building and the implementation of modern management and digital systems to enhance internal efficiencies and customer service. The Information Technology strategies developed in Phase 1 will be implemented to integrate digital tools into business processes, including ticketing systems for Srbija Voz and train and cargo geo-localization systems for Serbia Cargo, which will significantly enhance operational efficiency. Human capital development is another key aspect, with investments in technical assistance and capacity-building activities. An internship program will be launched to attract female candidates and promote gender diversity within the sector, with the expectation that many participants will secure permanent positions.
Component
Railway Modernization Enablers aims to create a supportive environment for expanding both cargo and passenger rail traffic. Efforts will be directed at increasing cargo traffic by developing a Strategy for Logistics Centers across Serbia, enhancing "last-mile" connectivity, and encouraging private sector participation. This is expected to bring significant additional freight volumes to the railway network, contributing to higher revenues and more efficient services.
Documents
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 1
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 1
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 1
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -IBRD – Phase 2
Loan Agreement -AFD – Phase 1