In an interview with CdM, Podgorica’s Mayor Saša Mujović revealed plans for several significant projects aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure. These include the construction of three underground parking garages and various roadworks aimed at improving the city’s traffic flow.
One of the major ongoing projects is the construction of the Veljko Vlahović Boulevard and several key streets nearby, including those near the Old Airport. According to Mujović, the works on the Boulevard are in the final stages, with a contract value of 3.7 million EUR. The project is expected to be completed by mid-June. Additionally, the Kozaračka, Cara Lazara, and Miloša Obilića streets are nearing completion, with expectations for their opening in late May.
Mujović also discussed ongoing projects in the city center, including the reconstruction of Vučedolska Street, the replacement of the turf at the city stadium, and the reconstruction of Slobode Street. The reconstruction of Vučedolska Street, with a project value of 540,000 EUR, is currently underway and aims to improve the city’s municipal infrastructure and traffic safety. The stadium’s turf replacement, which is set to cost around 360,000 EUR, is expected to be completed by June 1st, while the reconstruction of Slobode Street will begin once the Vučedolska work is finished, with a value of 790,000 EUR.
Another significant project mentioned by Mujović is the construction of road infrastructure in the Zagorič Park Forest area, which has long had poor road conditions. Starting on April 30th, preparatory work has been underway, and intensive activities are expected to begin in early May. The park will be upgraded with three kilometers of paved roads, improving living conditions for residents. Additionally, a new transformer station is being built in collaboration with the CEDIS company.
Mujović also highlighted several long-term and challenging projects, including the Western Bypass, which will help relieve traffic in central areas by connecting the 21st May Boulevard with the Nikšić Road. The Vojislavljević Boulevard project is also in the works but is dependent on the completion of expropriation and resolving property and legal issues. A national-level wastewater collection and treatment system project, worth over 75 million EUR, is also in progress. These projects are part of Podgorica’s commitment to improving municipal and traffic infrastructure in line with European standards.
Regarding the chronic shortage of parking spaces in Podgorica, Mujović acknowledged the city’s ongoing struggle to address the issue. He stated that the municipal government, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is continuously taking steps to improve the situation and find long-term solutions. Some of the actions include identifying priority locations for new parking zones, particularly in the city center and near the “Morača” barracks, where work has already begun. Furthermore, parking capacity is being expanded in the Blok 5 and City Quarter neighborhoods, among others.
Mujović explained that while the city’s parking service currently manages almost 7,000 parking spaces, Podgorica’s vehicle registrations, which totaled about 97,000 last year, show a clear imbalance. This discrepancy highlights the challenge of providing sufficient parking infrastructure. As such, new parking areas will be developed with careful urban planning, balancing capacity expansion with the preservation of urban space quality. The city is also working on the construction of underground parking garages at several locations, including Trg Božane Vučinić, Trg Golootočkih žrtava, and in the Prvi Maj neighborhood, which will help address the city’s parking needs.
In collaboration with the Traffic Secretariat, the city has started work on a modular garage in Blok 5, which will increase parking capacity in one of the city’s most congested zones. Mujović expects that within the next 3-4 months, at least 1,000 new parking spaces will be added, with further efforts aimed at promoting alternative forms of mobility and creating a sustainable transportation system.
When asked about the possibility of turning Podgorica’s city center into a pedestrian-only zone, Mujović explained that such a project would be complex and require detailed analysis, including input from traffic, urban planning, and spatial planning experts. While a complete pedestrian zone is not currently planned, the city has already implemented a partial pedestrian zone on Slobode Street, where motor vehicles are restricted in the afternoon hours. Mujović stressed that any future decisions in this regard would be based on real needs and expert analysis, with a focus on sustainable urban mobility and improving public space.
