Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced the opening of a new 28-kilometer section of the Dunavski corridor, marking a significant milestone in Serbia’s ongoing infrastructure development efforts. This addition is part of a broader initiative that has seen the completion of 213 kilometers of highways and fast roads since November 2021. The Dunavski corridor, which stretches a total of 68 kilometers, is designed to enhance connectivity between Belgrade and Golubac, reducing travel time to approximately 70-75 minutes.
The newly opened section was inaugurated in the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Siniša Mali, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Aleksandra Sofronijević, the Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, Aleksandar Antić, the Director of Koridori Srbije, and Zoran Drobnjak, the Director of Putevi Srbije. The corridor begins at the Požarevac interchange on the Belgrade-Niš highway and extends through Požarevac, Veliko Gradište, and Golubac.
President Vučić highlighted the rapid progress made in infrastructure development, stating that the Koridori Srbije constructed 187 kilometers, while Putevi Srbije completed an additional 25 kilometers. He noted, “When everything is added up, it would be 212 kilometers, but I rounded up the decimals. We have opened 213 kilometers in less than two years.”
The Dunavski corridor is part of a larger infrastructure strategy that includes the Moravski corridor and a new bridge, all aimed at improving regional connectivity. Three sections of the Moravski corridor, including routes from Kruševac through Trstenik and Vrnjačka Banja, and a section towards Kraljevo, were specifically mentioned by Vučić as significant achievements. Additionally, a 54-kilometer fast road between Loznica and Šabac was completed, further enhancing the transportation network.
The recent developments are expected to have a substantial impact on travel efficiency in the region. The construction of the Dunavski corridor involves 62 structures, including six interchanges and 16 roundabouts, most of which have been completed. The corridor is designed for a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour, facilitating faster and more efficient travel.
The project, valued at approximately 524 million euros, is funded by the Serbian government and domestic bank loans. The construction contract was signed on August 28, 2021, with China Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group, Ltd. of Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co as the contractor.
While the infrastructure developments are poised to improve transportation links and stimulate economic growth, they have not been without criticism. Some observers suggest that the timing of these announcements may be politically motivated, given the proximity to upcoming elections. Critics argue that infrastructure projects are often used to bolster political support, raising questions about the balance between public interest and political gain.
Despite these criticisms, the Serbian government continues to prioritize infrastructure as a key component of its economic strategy. The improvements are expected to facilitate better access to remote areas, enhance trade routes, and potentially attract foreign investment. As the country progresses with its infrastructure agenda, the focus remains on completing the remaining sections of the Dunavski corridor and other ongoing projects to fully realize the benefits of these developments.
