Just two stops from Novi Sad on Serbia’s fast train line lies Belgrade Prokop station, a key transport hub that has undergone numerous ceremonial openings as the future of Serbia’s railways. However, it continues to operate without an official usage permit, raising concerns about passenger safety and infrastructure standards. Pročitaj više

While travellers frequently use the unfinished station, some voice apprehension about its safety. Passengers report noticing incomplete work and potential hazards, with some expressing uncertainty about the structural integrity, given Prokop’s ongoing construction even after its opening. Despite these issues, many remain hopeful about the station’s safety, although the building lacks the necessary regulatory approvals.

In early October, Serbia’s Ministry of Construction denied the state’s request for a usage permit for the station building and nearby parking facilities, a decision that prompted public debate. President Aleksandar Vucic has defended the station’s safety, comparing it to other projects like Belgrade’s Ada Bridge, which also operated for years without a usage permit. However, construction challenges continue, and the station has even experienced leaks, fueling criticism from opposition figures who allege irregularities in its construction process and call for immediate inspections.

Construction engineer Aleksandar Opsenica cautions that lacking a permit doesn’t inherently mean a building is unsafe but indicates that some standards may have been bypassed, creating a risk of potential incidents. Inside Prokop, the news team observed unusual construction, including escalators secured by only a few screws and resting on tiles, adding to the mounting concerns over the station’s readiness and safety.