Macedonia’s Railway is a significant segment in the development of the Macedonian economy, accompanied by a political significance.

T he first railway line in Macedonia is Thessaloniki – Veles – Thessaloniki to Belgrade.
Its construction begun in 1871, supported by a foreign capital, it was finalized in 1873.
In 1888 this railway was connected with the Serbia railway at the border crossing Zabevche in Vranje.
The railway line Skopje – K. Mitrovica was finalized in 1878, while Thessaloniki – Voden – Lerin – Bitola in 1894.
During the World War I, for the needs of their armies, the German and Bulgarian Authorities built the narrow (60cm) line Gradsko – Prilep – Bitola (via Pletvar) and Skopje – Gostivar – Kichevo – Ohrid - Struga.
In 1925 – 1926 the line Veles – Kochani was constructed, while in 1931, the line Veles – Prilep – Bitola. After 1945, in addition to the renewal, a new route for the railway Klisura – Miravci was built, in 1951–1956 – Skopje – Tetovo – Gostivar – Kichevo, as well as Zajas – Tajmishte (1966).
Initiatives for railway connection between Macedonia and Bulgaria were raised by the Turkish (1912), Bulgarian (1943) and Macedonian Authorities (1946). In 1992, following a Government Decision, the construction of the railway line Skopje – Sofia started, but is not yet finished.
Literature: group of Authors: History of Macedonia’s Railway 1873-1973, Skopje, 1973.