Protests continue in Niš over controversial railway construction

Residents of the Pantelej municipality in Niš, Serbia, continued their protests for a second day, blocking a key intersection to voice their opposition to the planned construction of an international railway line. The demonstrators argue that the project, rather than being a bypass, will reroute an existing line through their densely populated area.

Protesters expressed deep concerns about the safety of residents, claiming the proposed railway route would pass dangerously close to their homes. They are demanding that the railway be constructed above the settlement, specifically suggesting an alignment over the Vinik area. "The construction of the railway is underway, right next to the houses, and it is not marked according to regulations," stated Marija Mitrović, a local resident.

Mitrović also highlighted alarming safety and environmental issues at the construction site. She described open pits that are not properly secured and alleged that dangerous substances have been poured into some of them, with containers scattered around. "We are facing an ecological catastrophe," she warned, adding that warning signs at the site are exclusively in Chinese, implying a lack of consideration for local residents.

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The construction of the railway is underway, right next to the houses, and it is not marked according to regulations

The protesters are urging the public to sign an online petition titled "Let the bypass avoid Pantelej." They also announced plans to set up physical petition stands over the weekend in various locations across the city. Additionally, residents were invited to a presentation of the Detailed Regulation Plan for Borski Street, scheduled to take place the following day.

The railway construction project, which began in July 2024, is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2027. The 22.4-kilometer line is valued at 153.6 million euros, with funding provided by Serbia's budget and loans from the European Investment Bank, supplemented by non-refundable grants from the European Union.

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We are facing an ecological catastrophe