The 'Soko' Train and the Belgrade-Budapest Line: How the High-Speed Railway Will Change Life in Subotica

Megaproject: Line Characteristics and the Connection of Two Capitals

In the north of Serbia, one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country's modern history is unfolding—the construction of the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway line. This line, being built with advanced Chinese technologies, will become a key transport artery connecting the capitals of Serbia and Hungary.

The main feature of the project is speed. Trains will be able to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, which will drastically reduce travel time and set a new standard for passenger transport in the region. This modern railway line is not only a technological breakthrough but also a symbol of economic integration and future development.

Launch 2024-2025: Novi Sad — Subotica Section

A key stage of the project, which the residents of Subotica are eagerly awaiting, will be the launch of the 108 km Novi Sad — Subotica section. The opening of traffic is planned for late 2024 or early 2025. This event will mark a new era of transport accessibility for the entire northern region.

The most significant change will be the travel time. The train journey from Belgrade to Subotica will take just 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is three times faster than before. Thanks to this, Subotica will effectively become a comfortable suburb, closely connected to the country's business and cultural centers. The 'Soko' train schedule is expected to be convenient and regular, offering several trips per day.

Rolling Stock: Stadler KISS Trains and Ticket Prices

Passengers on the new line will be transported by modern double-decker Stadler KISS electric trains of Swiss production. These trains, already named 'Soko' (Falcon), have established themselves on the Belgrade – Novi Sad section as a symbol of speed and comfort.

Each train set offers passengers the highest level of service. Spacious interiors, comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets for charging devices, and an accessible environment for people with disabilities make the journey as pleasant as possible. Although the exact ticket prices for the route to Subotica have not yet been announced, they are expected to be competitive with bus fares while offering incomparably higher quality of travel.

Social Impact: Students, Jobs, and Tourism

The launch of the high-speed service will have a powerful social and economic impact on Subotica and the surrounding areas. The new transport accessibility will open up unprecedented opportunities for residents.

• Students: Young people will be able to live in Subotica and commute daily to universities in Novi Sad and Belgrade.
• Jobs: Professionals will gain access to the job market in the capital without having to relocate, which will stimulate economic activity.
• Tourism: Subotica's unique Secessionist architecture and its proximity to Lake Palić will become much more accessible to tourists from Belgrade and other cities, leading to an increase in tourist flow and the development of local infrastructure.

Subotica is ceasing to be a remote northern city and is transforming into an attractive and easily accessible suburb offering a high quality of life.

A Window to Europe: Prospects for the Section to Budapest

The full completion of the project, planned for 2026 and beyond, will open a direct high-speed connection to Budapest. This will become a true 'window to Europe,' integrating Serbia into the unified European railway network. The journey from Belgrade to the Hungarian capital will take less than three hours.

One of the key innovations will be unified border control. Passengers will not have to waste time on long stops and checks at the border—all procedures will be maximally expedited and simplified, making international travel fast and comfortable. This will not only simplify travel but also become a powerful stimulus for business development and cross-border cooperation.

Conclusion: The End of Transport Isolation and a New Future for Northern Serbia

The Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway is a project that changes not only the speed of travel but also the very perception of space and time. For Subotica and the entire north of Serbia, it signifies the end of an era of transport isolation and the beginning of a new era of opportunities.

Integration into the national and European transport network, a stimulus for the economy, tourism, and education—all of this is becoming a reality. The 'Soko' train doesn't just connect cities; it builds bridges to the future, making it more dynamic, accessible, and promising for all residents of the region.