Rail transportation in Kosovo

In Kosovo, the construction of railways lines first took place in 1874 where the first railway line was built for the destination from Hani Elezit to Fushe Kosove and to Mitrovice. This was the beginning of launching the railway network around Kosovo and it became very significant for the transportation of travellers and goods. Also, it was equally important for the economic development of the country. Likewise, it enabled connectivity with other regions. With the construction of this railway line, railway transportation became amongst the busiest ones which led to opportunities for finding jobs for new railway lines. During 1934 the construction of this line proceeded in relation to a different direction such as that of Mitrovice – Leshak, in 1934 for Fushe Kosove – Prishtine, in 1936 Fushe Kosove – Peje, in 1949 Prishtina – Podujeve – Livadhi, and in 1963 Kline – Prizren.

On 27 September 1999, the Kosovo Train for Life charter train arrived in Pristina, bringing aid and rolling stock in connection with the Kosovo Force peace-keeping efforts.[3]

As of 2014, Kosovo railways stretch almost throughout the entire territory of Kosovo, with the exception of two cities – Gjilan and Gjakova.[4]

Railway transports, most importantly, are one of the safest transports in Kosovo. Infrastructures and motor vehicles are technically safer compared to other transports. Nevertheless, they are immune to tough weather conditions such as snow, rain, fog, and so forth. Additionally, railway transports are ecological as well since they are provided with fuel oil from "diesel-electric" locomotives as their primary fuel source.

In Kosovo's railways there are eight diesel locomotives and four thermo-motoric ones. They have the capability to carry 17 wagons, 16 from which are for passengers and the remaining one is for luggage. The railways of Kosovo have a significant role for the transportation of travelers and goods. In 2005, there has been an estimation of 870 travelers per day who chose trains as a transportation tool. In 2006, there has been an increase by 26.56% more than in 2005, which means that there was a growth by 1,100 travelers daily. In 2007, the number of passengers that have traveled with train in a day was 1,143 or 3.91% more than in 2006. In 2008, there was a decrease in the number of travelers by 18.77% compared to 2007. The average number of travelers per day during 2009 was 1,026 or 10.51% more than in 2008. Also, there has been an increase of travelers per day in 2010 by 1,032 or 0.61% compared to 2009.[5]

Kosovo railways connects Pristina with Skopje (North Macedonia) in the south, while Serbian railways connects Mitrovica with Kraljevo (Serbia) in the north. The track between Mitrovica and Fushe Kosove (west of Pristina) is currently not served by any trains.[7]

• Albania – No connection
• Montenegro – No connection
• North Macedonia – Open
• Serbia – Open

[8]

• Media related to Rail transport in Kosovo at Wikimedia Commons