BELGRADE – The Belgrade Metro project has entered a new phase with the signing of a contract for the provision of Independent Safety Assessment (S-ISA) services, marking one of the key steps in ensuring the highest safety standards for the future public transport system.
The agreement was signed by Slaven Andrić, Secretary of the Secretariat for Public Transport of the City of Belgrade, Andreja Mladenović, Acting Director of the Public Utility Company “Belgrade Metro and Train”, Frank Sperl, Global Head of Business Field and Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland InterTraffic GmbH, and Stefan Đerić, representative of TÜV Rheinland Intercert d.o.o. Belgrade.
From the design and construction phases, through testing and commissioning, and all the way to the start of commercial operation, the Independent Safety Assessor will carry out professional and impartial safety assessments of the system in accordance with the highest European and international standards.
Acting Director of the Public Utility Company “Belgrade Metro and Train”, Andreja Mladenović, emphasized that the signing of this agreement represents another important milestone in the implementation of the project and confirms the commitment to ensuring that every aspect of metro construction is carried out in accordance with the highest safety and quality standards.
"The construction of a metro system is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Serbia, and it is therefore of utmost importance that every phase of the project is implemented in line with international best practices. By engaging an Independent Safety Assessor, we are introducing an additional level of expert oversight and reaffirming our commitment to delivering a reliable, safe, and fully compliant metro system that meets the highest European standards," said Mladenović.
He added that the Public Utility Company “Belgrade Metro and Train” continues to work closely with domestic and international partners to ensure that all aspects of the project are implemented responsibly and professionally.
"Our goal is to provide the citizens of Belgrade with a modern public transport system that will improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to the further development of the city. Safety remains a fundamental principle throughout the entire process – from design and construction to the future operation of the metro system. This is why we remain committed to developing high-quality and sustainable transport infrastructure that will serve future generations," Mladenović stated.
Frank Sperl, Global Head of Business Field and Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland InterTraffic GmbH, stated that TÜV Rheinland is proud to participate in one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region as the Independent Safety Assessor. He emphasized that the company’s expert teams will provide full support to ensure that all Belgrade Metro systems are developed and verified in accordance with the highest international standards of safety and quality.
The Independent Safety Assessor represents one of the key control mechanisms in modern metro and railway systems. The assessment will cover all major subsystems, including signalling, rolling stock, power supply, the Operational Control Centre, communication systems, supervision, control and data acquisition systems (SCADA), automatic fare collection, platform screen doors, the depot and associated equipment, as well as fire protection systems and operational and maintenance procedures.
Particular attention will be devoted to the integration of all subsystems into a single functional system, which represents one of the most complex aspects of developing a modern metro network.
Throughout the project implementation, the Independent Safety Assessor will continuously monitor the construction of the Makiš Depot and the first line of the Belgrade Metro, review technical documentation, oversee testing activities, and assess system readiness for operation. The final assessment report will be one of the key documents required for obtaining the approvals necessary to commence commercial operations.
The engagement of an international Independent Safety Assessor represents another significant step towards the development of a modern, reliable, and safe public transport system that will form the backbone of Belgrade’s future transport network.
