The initiation of the Belgrade Metro construction has faced significant setbacks compared to the initial timelines set by authorities. This delay is attributed to various factors including the overshadowing effect of the EXPO 2027 exhibition, insufficient budgetary allocation, and frequent alterations in subway route plans, placing contractors in a challenging position, as noted by local experts. While the official announcement for the construction of the Belgrade Metro was made in January 2021, following the signing of a memorandum with foreign partners, actual work did not commence as promised.
Initially, Minister of Finance Siniša Mali had declared that construction would start by the end of 2021. However, subsequent delays led to further postponements, with projected start dates being continuously pushed back. Despite assurances and announcements, including those made in December 2023, regarding the imminent commencement of construction, tangible progress has yet to materialize. Instead, recent reports indicate that the city authorities have authorized the signing of additional contract annexes related to the project, highlighting ongoing challenges.
Nikola Jovanović, director of the Center for Local Self-Government, expresses concerns over the substantial delays in the Belgrade Metro project, raising questions about the government’s commitment to its implementation. Prioritization of other infrastructure projects and budgetary constraints have contributed to the project’s stagnation, alongside the persistent revision of subway route plans. Architect Mahmud Bušatlija emphasizes the importance of a well-conceived construction plan, citing the inadequacies of the current approach. Bušatlija advocates for a return to the original 1972 plan, emphasizing its alignment with the city’s needs and potential for successful execution.
Economist Milan R. Kovačević underscores the financial constraints and incomplete project preparations as primary factors behind the construction delays. Kovačević suggests that past announcements of construction commencement were made for political purposes, lacking substantive follow-through. Despite previous assurances, the actual start date for construction remains uncertain, raising doubts about the project’s future trajectory.
The proposed Belgrade Metro, spanning a length of 21.3 kilometers with 21 stations from Železnik to Mirijevo, faces a tumultuous path to realization. With French companies Aegis and Alstom, along with Chinese firm Power China, slated for involvement in construction, the projected cost stands at six billion euros for all three metro lines. However, challenges persist, casting doubt on the project’s feasibility and timeline.
