Novi Beograd Under Siege: Who’s Building Our New Railway Station and Why Is Everyone Silent About Million-Euro Contracts?
Did you know that one of the biggest construction projects in recent years is brewing right in the heart of Novi Beograd? Yes, we’re talking about the new railway complex in Block 42, which is supposed to become the central hub for passengers and traffic. But while officials talk about modernization and progress, behind the scenes a real drama is unfolding — million-euro contracts, foreign companies, and worrying environmental issues.
Millions on the Table – Where’s the Money Going?
In October last year, the then Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić, signed a contract with the Chinese company Shandong for the construction of this complex. The total contract value? A staggering 138 million euros! Of that, 70 million euros are allocated for building the new station, about 40 million for reconstructing the bridge structure. But what about the remaining 28 million euros? Officially – unknown. Is it money for additional works, or something else? The public has no answer.
A Consortium of Seven Firms – Domestic and Foreign – Supervises the Works
Supervision of the construction was entrusted to a consortium of seven firms, including domestic companies like the Ag Institute from Novi Sad and the Geodetic Bureau Meridian, but also three foreign companies from Spain, Poland, and Croatia. The supervision contract is worth about 8.3 million euros. Is it really necessary for foreign companies to have such a big influence on a project being built in Belgrade? Many wonder if this is an example of domestic independence or just another way to funnel money out of Serbia.
Environmental Alarm – Environmental Impact Study?
The Ministry of Construction only recently submitted a request for approval of the environmental impact assessment study. Yes, you read that right – the request for environmental approval is coming only now, while works are planned and contracts signed. Is this a sign that ecology is being put last? The new station building with its access square will cover about 17,000 square meters, and the environmental impact could be huge. Will nature protection really be respected, or will everything be sacrificed in the name of “progress”?
Deadlines and Promises – Will the Station Be Ready on Time?
The Chinese company Shandong plans to start works by early next year at the latest, and the station is supposed to be finished by December 2024. But given all the complications and uncertainties about finances and environmental permits, is this deadline realistic? Or will we again see projects dragged out while citizens are left without promised benefits?
Why Should We Care?
Because this is a story about how huge money is spent in Serbia, how foreign players get big contracts, and how ecology and transparency remain in the shadows. Novi Beograd deserves a modern and functional railway station, but not at the cost of hiding information and neglecting nature.
If you think this is just another ordinary project, think again. Here lie millions of euros, foreign companies, and questions no one wants to answer. And you? Do you believe everything will be fair and transparent? Or is this just another story about how things are built in Serbia – quickly, with many unknowns and without proper oversight?
Share your thoughts, maybe you have the answer to these burning questions. Or at least a good joke about how we “build” around here!
Scandal in the Construction of New Railway Station in Novi Beograd: Million-Euro Contracts, Foreign Firms, and Environmental Concerns!
One of the biggest infrastructure projects is underway in Novi Beograd – the construction of a new railway station in Block 42. Although officials promise modernization and better connectivity, behind the scenes a real drama unfolds with million-euro contracts, involvement of foreign firms, and worrying environmental issues.
In October last year, a contract was signed with the Chinese company Shandong worth 138 million euros. Of that money, 70 million is allocated for building the station, 40 million for bridge reconstruction, while the fate of the remaining 28 million is unknown. Supervision of the works is carried out by a consortium of seven firms, including three foreign companies from Spain, Poland, and Croatia, with a contract worth 8.3 million euros.
The environmental aspect of the project was neglected – the request for approval of the environmental impact assessment was submitted only recently, raising doubts about compliance with environmental standards. The planned area of the second phase of works is about 17,000 square meters, which can have a significant impact on the surroundings.
Works are supposed to start early next year, with completion planned for December 2024. However, given all the uncertainties, the question remains whether deadlines will be met and whether the project will be transparent.
This project is an example of how huge money is spent in Serbia, how foreign players get big contracts, and how ecology and transparency remain secondary. Novi Beograd deserves better infrastructure, but not at the cost of hiding information and neglecting nature.
What do you think about this? Is this the right path for development or just another story of unclear deals and problems? Drop a comment, maybe you have the best answer or at least a good joke about how we build here!
