Macedonian Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mile Janakieski announced that the  reconstruction of the non-electrified single-track railway section Bitola ­Kremenica railway line, part of Xd of corridor X, will begin in Q1 2015.

"We have signed a contract with a Bulgarian based consortium and we expect works to begin in the first quarter of 2015. The entire reconstruction project is expected to last 18 months", the minister said.

The works include the following main activities: renewal of approx. 17 km (from km 129,310 to km 146,190) of the permanent way with increasing the bearing capacity; construction of 1 station at Zabeni and reconstruction of 1 halt at Kravari including track alignment (sidings); 10 level crossings in this section will be converted into secured level crossings; 6 existing bridges to be demolished and constructed anew; 3 existing bridges to be demolished and replaced with culverts; associated signalling and telecommunication and ERTMS (level 1). Design speed is 100 km/h, axle load: 250 KN, structural gauge: UIC C. The subject section will be closed for railway operations during the performance of the works.