The Serbian railway operator, Serbia Voz, has come under fire for allowing faulty passenger carriages to operate without a functioning heating system. This issue was brought to light by Željeznički transport Crne Gore (ŽPCG), which asserted that the responsibility for the technical condition of the carriages falls squarely on the company operating them when the journey originates in Belgrade.
ŽPCG stated that they lack the authority to remove the carriages from service while they are on Serbian territory. According to international railway agreements, the owner of the carriages is responsible for their technical integrity and maintenance. Control and operation while in service must adhere to the laws of the country in which the carriages are operating. Thus, while the carriages were in the Republic of Serbia, only the railway authorities there—including Serbia Voz and Infrastruktura železnice Srbije—could decide whether to include or exclude them from service.
Once the train arrives at its destination at Bar Station in Montenegro, the responsible authorities may take action in accordance with domestic regulations. ŽPCG emphasized that this is not the first instance of technically deficient carriages being allowed to operate, highlighting that Montenegrin authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over such practices. They have sought strict adherence to safety and technical standards in rail operations.
ŽPCG expressed frustration over attempts to shift the blame for these oversights onto the Montenegrin side. They pointed out that, in this particular case, no official position was requested from the relevant authorities before the information was disseminated to the media. This lack of communication has exacerbated the problem, leading to unnecessary complications and misunderstandings.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges within the regional railway systems and raises important questions about accountability and safety standards across borders. As railway operators navigate these complexities, the emphasis remains on ensuring the safety and reliability of passenger transport in the region.
