Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for modernization of Belgrade–Niš railway, section three

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the modernization of the Belgrade–Niš railway, section three (from Paraćin to Trupale), is currently under public review. The project is being implemented by SUEZ Consulting (SAFEGE) in a consortium with EGIS, EPEM, and KPMG.

Project overview:
Section three largely follows the existing railway corridor and passes through Paraćin, Ćićevac, Aleksinac, and Niš, spanning approximately 58 kilometers. The modernization works include:

• Reconstruction of the railway track
• Installation of protective fences
• Upgrades to power, signaling, and telecommunications systems
• Adaptation of existing stations and construction of new ones
• Removal of 48 level crossings and construction of 18 underpasses and 12 overpasses, including three dedicated for pedestrians and cyclists
• Construction of 12 replacement bridges, one new bridge, two viaducts, and one tunnel
• Development of service roads, drainage systems, and waterway passages

The longest bridges on the section will span the Jovanovačka River (162 m) and the South Morava River (113 m), with viaducts measuring 143 m and 329 m.

Supported by

Subsections:

1. Paraćin–Stalać (20.4 km):
   • Passes through eight settlements
   • Double-track electrified railway designed for speeds up to 120 km/h
   • Characterized by urban zones with dense settlements and industrial areas near Paraćin, transitioning to sparsely populated agricultural areas
   • Construction of an underpass in Striža will require the removal of some houses
   • Minor realignments planned near Ćićevac to straighten curves and improve safety
2. Đunis–Trupale (37.7 km):
   • Passes through 19 settlements along the South Morava River
   • Double-track electrified railway designed for speeds up to 160 km/h
   • Predominantly small-scale agriculture with adjustments along the existing corridor to improve curvature and maintain design speeds
   • Includes the construction of a 580 m Đunis tunnel and several track realignments near Vitkovac, Donji Ljubeš, Srezovac, Trnjane, and other villages to enhance safety and reduce structural demolitions
   • Final section from Grejač to Trupale follows the existing alignment while maintaining functional connections to local settlements

Stations and stops:

• Five stations serve both passenger and freight traffic
• Three stations dedicated to passengers
• One freight station
• Multiple local stops to serve nearby communities

This modernization project aims to enhance safety, increase capacity, improve operational efficiency, and minimize environmental and social impacts while maintaining the functional integrity of the existing railway corridor.