Belgrade Metro: A New Era of Urban Transportation
The Belgrade Metro project is set to transform Serbia’s capital into a more connected and efficient city. With the contract signed for the first phase of Line 1, the construction covers project design, execution, and preparatory activities, including the procurement of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). The project, valued at 2.4 billion dinars (approximately 20.4 million EUR), involves collaboration between the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, Belgrade’s Public Transport Secretariat, and China’s Power Construction Corporation.
A Long-Awaited Development
Belgrade is one of the few European capitals of its size without a metro system. The planned metro lines aim to connect key parts of the city, driving urban development and enhancing public transportation. The first phase will see construction starting on four initial stations, with the first two metro lines expected to link Mirijevo, Železnik, Bežanija, and Banjica. Minister Goran Vesić has emphasized that the metro will shape Belgrade’s growth, as development will follow where metro stations are established.
Project Timeline and Financing
Work on the Belgrade Metro has faced delays in the past, with initial plans announced for 2016 being pushed back multiple times. However, concrete steps are now being taken to kickstart construction. The metro project is partly funded by the government budget and partly through loans, with plans to accelerate work by directly financing parts of the project. TBM machines, known as “moles,” will begin tunneling in 2026, following a year-long preparation process.
Strategic Routes and Future Expansion
The first metro line will connect Makiš and Mirijevo, while the second line will link Zemun and Mirijevo. A third line is planned to connect Bežanija and Banjica. A recent shift in the route plans placed the key interchange not at Republic Square but at the new Sava Square. Once completed, passengers will travel between Železnik and Mirijevo in 32 minutes, and between Mirijevo and Bežanija in 39 minutes.
Public Criticism and Urban Planning Debate
Despite the progress, the Belgrade Metro plan has faced criticism. Many believe the proposed lines do not adequately serve the city center and vital locations like Prokop and the University Clinical Center of Serbia. Critics argue that a more central alignment would better serve the city’s needs and ensure a broader reach of the metro system. The current debate reflects the complexity of urban planning and the challenges of balancing modern development with practical urban needs.
Conclusion
The Belgrade Metro represents a significant step toward modernizing Serbia’s capital, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and promote sustainable urban growth. While the project has faced setbacks and criticism, its successful completion will mark a new era in Belgrade’s public transportation history, making the city more accessible and connected for its residents and visitors.
