Belgrade Metro Line 1 moves ahead under Alstom deal

Belgrade Metro Line 1 is the subject of a €915 million turnkey contract. On 27 March 2026, Alstom secured that contract. Also, it covers Serbia’s first fully automated metro system. In its first phase, the project will connect Makiško Polje and Karaburma. The project is intended to relieve surface congestion. It is also intended to unlock Belgrade’s potential as a leading European capital city.

Belgrade Metro Line 1 route and first phase

The first phase will span 15 km. It will include 15 stations. It will also include 11 km of tunnels through the city center. The line will move a significant share of urban transit underground. That shift is intended to reduce chronic congestion at street level. It is also intended to make Belgrade a more accessible, functional European capital. In addition, one of the world’s most modern automated systems is planned for the line. It is expected to strengthen the city’s economic attractiveness. It would do so by creating a more efficient environment for residents and international investment.

Statement from Andrew DeLeone

“Belgrade’s decision to build its first fully automated metro is a pragmatic and bold investment in the city’s future and it reflects the strong leadership and vision demonstrated by the Serbian authorities” said Andrew DeLeone, President of Alstom Europe. “Metro Line 1 will fundamentally change how nearly two million residents navigate their city, providing a reliable and safe alternative to road transit. This project is not just about mobility; it is about delivering the modern infrastructure necessary for Belgrade to sustain its growth and meet its long-term economic and climate objectives”.

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Alstom turnkey metro contract and system scope

Meanwhile, Alstom will serve as system integrator for Belgrade Metro & Train. According to Railway Supply, Alstom will also deliver a full turnkey metro solution.

What the contract includes?

The package includes the following items.

• 32 Metropolis driverless three-car trains
• signaling and telecommunications
• power supply
• trackwork
• platform screen doors
• depot equipment
• a centralized control center
• comprehensive cybersecurity systems

At the same time, the metro will be equipped with Alstom’s advanced Urbalis CBTC technology. It enables fully automated, high-capacity and reliable operations. The Metropolis trains will be manufactured at Alstom’s Valenciennes site in France.

Separately, the project benefits from French government funding support. That support is noted by the Serbian government. It also underlines the bilateral cooperation between France and Serbia. Alstom has now officially entered the design phase for Metro Line 1.

Driverless operations and Alstom references

Driverless metro technology will bring tangible benefits. These include increased frequency, higher passenger capacity, improved operational resilience and enhanced safety. In addition, the turnkey system will enable reliable, energy-efficient operations. Also, it will support headways of up to 90 seconds. A state-of-the-art integrated control center and cybersecurity platform will support that operation.

Alstom has nearly 30 driverless lines in operation worldwide. These include lines in Paris, Singapore and Lyon. It also has more than 50 years of experience. In addition, it has 80 turnkey systems in commercial service worldwide. The company is a trusted partner for complex metro projects.

For example, recent references include the following projects.

• Montreal REM
• Riyadh Metro
• Athens Line 4
• Grand Paris Line 18
• Toulouse Line C
• Panama Line 2
• Guadalajara Line 3
• Dubai Metro Route 2020

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