Institute of Transportation CIP to elaborate preliminary project and justification study for second phase of Novi Sad's railway hub

(Milutin Ignjatović and Borislav Novaković)

The contract on elaboration of preliminary project and justification study for the second phase of the Novi Sad railway hub has been signed in the City Development Institute by the CEO of that Institute, Borislav Novaković, and the Director General of Belgrade-based Institute of Transportation CIP, Milutin Ignjatović. The value of the project is 39,800,000 RSD, while the deadline for their completion is March 1st, 2010. Novaković pointed out that relocation of the marshalling yard and construction of Europe Boulevard were the two most important long-term investments in the city. New marshalling yard will be built in the section between the railway station and the Danube-Tisa-Danube canal.

- The 1956 General Land-Utilization Plan anticipated relocation of all railway capacities from the city territory. The first phase was finished in 1970 with the construction of the road-railway bridge, while the second started in 1992 with the construction of new marshalling yard and 12 kilometers of rail. However, that marshalling yard with old equipment is today non-functional – Novaković explained.

According to him, very little work was done in the period between 1985 and 2008 and so many years were wasted. However, the turning point was signing of the contract with "Serbian Railways" on December 26th, 2008.

- Relocation of the marshalling yard will change the looks of Novi Sad significantly, and it will also make further construction of Europe Boulevard easier. Construction of the boulevard is expected to be resumed the next year when the section between Kornelija Stankovića Street and Rumenačka Street, 1,820 meters long, will be built – said the CEO of the City Development Institute and added that that would be followed by the construction of the section between Rumenačka Street and Belgrade – Novi Sad highway.

Milutin Ignjatović said that the relocation of the marshalling yard would provide better public utility, urban and economic prospects for Novi Sad.