Stanari Panteleja ponovo protestovali zbog trase brze pruge, reagovala i Evropska banka

Residents of the Pantelej municipality in Niš, Serbia, have renewed their protests against the planned route for a high-speed railway, expressing concerns that freight trains will pass through their populated area. Protesters argue that many residents remain unaware of the project's details, prompting them to continue demonstrations and gather signatures for a petition against the current urban plan.

Organizers are urging authorities to consider an alternative route that would reroute freight trains to an bypass, away from residential zones. Marija Mitrović, one of the protest organizers, stated that during their petition drive, they discovered many locals were unaware of the railway's proximity. "We decided to make some noise so people would wonder why we are gathering and find out what's going on, because they are the ones most at risk," Mitrović said.

“

We decided to make some noise so people would wonder why we are gathering and find out what's going on, because they are the ones most at risk.

The residents have also reached out to European institutions, receiving a response from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Mitrović confirmed a meeting with EBRD representatives is scheduled, where they will press for feasibility and safety studies regarding freight trains passing through the settlement. They believe diverting freight traffic to the bypass is the optimal solution.

Mića Jevtić, head of the "Dr Dragan Milić" council group in the Pantelej municipal assembly, criticized past public presentations as mere formalities for already-made decisions. He asserted that residents should have been consulted earlier. Jevtić noted that while earlier plans included one railway track, subsequent documents added two more, and now a fourth is being discussed. He also reported that citizens have observed investigative work and drilling near the planned route, suggesting preparations are already underway.

“

People need to hear what's happening. These protests are organized so neighbors see that there is a possibility for something to change. It didn't have to be this way. People who live here should have been asked, not presented with a finished solution.