Government sets conditions for selecting strategic partner for new road from Kraljevo to Novi Pazar – Project must be completed within 5.5 years

The Government of Serbia has adopted a decree defining the criteria and selection process for a strategic partner to implement a section of the infrastructure corridor, specifically the E-761 highway spur covering the Kraljevo-Novi Pazar route, including the Raska-Jarinje connection.

The strategic partner will be selected by the Government based on a proposal from a working group, while the ministry responsible for construction will provide administrative and technical support for the process. The partner will be chosen through a public call for bids, followed by contract negotiations with the selected candidate.

Mandatory criteria include a requirement that the bidder, or its direct or indirect parent legal entity, has a total turnover of at least EUR 3 billion for the period from 2023 to 2025.

Additionally, the candidate must submit a letter of intent from international financial institutions, banks, or other funding sources regarding project financing of at least EUR 700 million.

The future partner is also required to demonstrate experience in major construction works involving highways, bridges, and tunnels, as well as slope stabilization projects, over the past 20 years.

At least 49% domestic workforce, materials and subcontractors

One of the conditions is that the strategic partner commits to using domestic materials and engaging domestic labor and subcontractors for at least 49% of the project. The partner will also be required to set up concrete and asphalt production plants near the construction site, as well as a construction camp in Serbia, no later than six months after the commercial contract is concluded.

Technical requirements include the availability of at least 1,000 units of heavy machinery for highway construction, including equipment for concrete production, subgrade construction, and asphalt production. A qualified laboratory accredited by the Accreditation Body of Serbia, or a contract with such a laboratory, is also required.

The bidder must commit to completing the Kraljevo-Novi Pazar section, including the Raska-Jarinje connection, within five and a half years, with the possibility of carrying out works on multiple sections simultaneously. This obligation will form an integral part of the future commercial contract, should it be concluded.

Furthermore, the candidate must not be on the World Bank’s blacklist and must have an accredited ISO 9001 quality management system in place.

After evaluating the applications, the working group will submit a report, a ranking list, and a proposed decision to the Government. The Government will then decide on the selection of a strategic partner or declare the process unsuccessful. Negotiations with the partner will follow the selection, and the final contract will be concluded between the Government, acting as financier and investor, and the selected strategic partner.


As stated in the decision, the working group’s mandate includes drafting a proposal to define the criteria and selection process for the strategic partner and the expert supervisor for project execution, conducting the selection process, proposing the final selection decision to the Government and negotiating the terms of the contract with the strategic partner.

Aleksandra Sofronijevic, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, was appointed Chair of the working group, while Sinisa Mali, Minister of Finance, was appointed Deputy Chair.

The spatial plan for the special-purpose area of the Kraljevo-Raska-Novi Pazar expressway corridor, which will span 83.4 kilometers, was made available for public review approximately two years ago. As previously indicated, the project also includes an 11.3-kilometer expressway section from Raska to Jarinje, bringing the total length of the expressway to 94.7 kilometers.

The expressway will begin at the Adrani interchange and extend southward along a new route, bypassing the built-up area of Kraljevo to the west and intersecting the existing (old) Cacak-Kraljevo road, and the route is being planned and designed for speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour.

I. Z.

Vlada Republike Srbije

Government of Serbia

decree defining the criteria and selection process for a strategic partner to implement a section of the infrastructure corridor Kraljevo Novi Pazar route

Raška Jarinje