The First Novi Sad-Tirana Freight Train Journey
On a cold December morning, the first freight train named "Illiria Cargo" departed from Novi Sad station, bound for Tirana, crossing three nations and linking the heart of Serbia with the Albanian capital for the first time. At the helm was a Kenedi locomotive from Serbian Railways, a reliable diesel-electric engine authorized to operate on Albania's fragile railway network—a symbol of a project as ambitious as it was unconventional.
The Journey
After departing Novi Sad, the train headed south, passing through snowy landscapes and sparsely populated stations. The first major stop was Podgorica in Montenegro, where technical inspections ensured everything was running smoothly. The crew, made up of experienced Serbian and Montenegrin engineers, was well aware of the difficulties that lay ahead, particularly in the stretch between Shkodër and Tirana, where the Albanian railway network was notoriously fragile.
Crossing the Albanian border, the scenery changed: barren hills and scattered villages lined the route. The railway, just a single track, was marked by unguarded level crossings and rickety bridges that required cautious progress. The Kenedi, with its powerful diesel engine, proved up to the task, successfully overcoming every challenge.
Arrival in Tirana
After hours of travel, the train finally arrived in Tirana, greeted enthusiastically by local officials, railway workers, and curious citizens. The convoy's arrival marked a historic milestone: for the first time, Serbian goods had reached Albania via a direct rail connection, opening up new opportunities for economic and cultural exchange.
The Kenedi locomotive, now covered in dust and mud accumulated along the journey, came to a stop with a long, triumphant whistle. It stood as a symbol of the success of an endeavor many had deemed impossible, proving that the will to collaborate could overcome geographical and infrastructural barriers.
Epilogue
This first journey marked the beginning of a new era for railway transport in the Balkans. The Novi Sad-Tirana route soon became a strategic corridor for goods exchange, strengthening ties among the three countries and paving the way for future economic cooperation. The Kenedi, hailed as a heroic locomotive, became a celebrated icon for completing a journey that had once seemed unattainable.
