Belgrade, Serbia’s bustling capital, is finally set to join the ranks of major European cities with its own metro system. After decades of planning and several false starts, construction of the Belgrade Metro is officially underway, promising to revolutionize urban transportation in this city of over 1.6 million residents.
Project Overview and Timeline
The Belgrade Metro represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the Balkans. The fully automated metro system will feature Line 1 (21.8 kilometres over 21 stations), Line 2 (24.2 kilometres over 26 stations), and Line 3 (23 kilometres over 22 stations). However, the Belgrade Metro’s deadline was delayed to 2033 in January 2025 as Serbia reallocated its budget to EXPO 2027, to be hosted in Belgrade.
Despite the extended timeline, significant progress continues. A contract worth 2.4 billion dinars has been signed for the first phase of Belgrade Metro Line One, marking a significant step forward in the city’s metro development, with construction on the first stations set to begin next year. The construction of tunnels for the Belgrade metro and the preparation of space, including the relocation of utilities at 21 stations along the first metro line, is set to begin next year.
Financial Investment and International Cooperation
The Belgrade Metro project represents a substantial financial commitment, with an estimated total cost of approximately four billion euros. France has pledged significant support, contributing 450 million euros to the project. This international cooperation extends beyond funding, with French expertise playing a crucial role in system design and implementation.
Recent developments include major contract awards. Serbian public utility company Belgrade Metro and Train awarded a 2.74 billion dinars ($24.3 million/23.4 million euro) contract to a consortium led by China Railway Design Corporation (CRDC) for the preparation of project documents for a third line of the planned metro system.
Technical Specifications and Modern Features
The Belgrade Metro will be a state-of-the-art, fully automated system designed to meet contemporary urban transportation standards. The network’s three planned lines will create a comprehensive coverage pattern across the city, connecting key residential areas, business districts, and transportation hubs.
The system will utilize modern tunnel boring technology and feature contemporary station designs that prioritize accessibility and passenger comfort. Each line has been strategically planned to maximize coverage while minimizing construction disruption to the existing urban fabric.
Expected Impact on Belgrade’s Transportation Network
Once operational, the Belgrade Metro will significantly transform the city’s transportation landscape. The system is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and provide reliable, efficient public transportation for residents and visitors alike.
The metro will integrate with existing bus and tram networks, creating a comprehensive public transportation system that will make Belgrade more accessible and environmentally sustainable. This development positions Belgrade alongside other European capitals with modern metro systems.
Looking Ahead
While the completion date has been extended to 2033, the Belgrade Metro remains a priority infrastructure project that will fundamentally change how people move through Serbia’s capital. The ongoing construction preparations and contract awards demonstrate continued commitment to this transformative urban development project that will serve Belgrade residents for generations to come.
