What is the biggest city without underground?

Belgrade: A European Giant Without a Subway

Across the European continent, most major cities boast intricate networks of underground railways. These subterranean arteries, often bustling with commuters, are vital for easing traffic congestion and connecting distant neighborhoods. But one significant European capital stands apart: Belgrade, Serbia. This vibrant city, home to over 1.7 million people, is notably the largest in Europe without a functioning subway system.

This absence of a rapid underground transit network is a fascinating aspect of Belgrade’s urban fabric. While many factors likely contributed to this unique situation, it speaks volumes about the city’s distinct historical trajectory and urban planning priorities.

So why does a city of Belgrade’s size lack what is considered by many to be an essential component of modern urban infrastructure? The answer is complex and layered, woven into the city’s history and influenced by political and economic considerations.

One significant factor is the city’s relatively recent period of explosive growth. While Belgrade boasts a rich history dating back millennia, its population experienced a significant surge in the 20th century, particularly after World War II. This rapid expansion likely outpaced the city’s ability to plan and implement large-scale infrastructure projects like a subway system.

Furthermore, Belgrade’s location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers presents unique geological challenges. The water table is high, and the soil composition is complex, making underground construction exceptionally difficult and expensive. These geological hurdles, combined with fluctuating economic fortunes over the decades, likely contributed to delays and ultimately, the absence of a functioning subway.

Instead of an underground system, Belgrade relies heavily on a network of trams, buses, and trolleybuses. While these modes of transportation serve the city, they often struggle to keep pace with the demands of a growing population, leading to traffic congestion and longer commute times.

However, the lack of a subway in Belgrade doesn’t mean there has been no planning or attempt. Throughout the years, various proposals for underground systems have been put forward, some even reaching the construction phase. Unfortunately, these projects were often hampered by political instability, funding shortages, and shifting priorities.

Looking to the future, Belgrade is actively working to rectify this omission. Plans are underway to finally build a metro system, with construction currently in progress. This long-awaited project represents a significant investment in the city’s future and promises to transform Belgrade’s transportation landscape.

While Belgrade may currently hold the title of Europe’s largest city without a subway, this distinction is unlikely to last. The planned metro system signifies a commitment to modernizing the city’s infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its residents. In the coming years, Belgrade will finally join the ranks of other major European capitals, offering its citizens a much-needed underground rapid transit system, further solidifying its position as a dynamic and thriving metropolis. Until then, Belgrade remains a fascinating case study in urban development, a city defined by its unique transportation landscape and the unwavering ambition to modernize for the future.