Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy today launched the tender for the reconstruction of a railway linking Albania with Montenegro, a country with which Albania shares a deep historical bond, common traditions, and a mutual ambition to join the European Union.
At the tender launch ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, alongside EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, highlighted that the new railway will integrate Albania into the pan-European transport corridors.
"A new milestone is being achieved in the Albanian railway network, following significant progress on the Tirana-Durrës railway, which includes a completely new section connecting to Tirana International Airport," Balluku stated.
The railway, spanning 120 kilometers from Vora to Han i Hotit, will include the construction or reconstruction of 12 stations, 12 bridges, and a 320-meter tunnel in the Lezhë region. The expected operating speed is 120 km/h, she added.
Balluku also shared that, according to the feasibility study, the journey from Vorë to Han i Hotit will take an average of 2 hours. The line is expected to handle 2.3 million passengers and 900,000 tons of cargo annually.
She emphasized that the construction of this railway will have a major economic and social impact not only for Albania but also for the entire Western Balkans.
"Operational launch of the Vora-Han i Hotit line will have significant social and economic benefits, with 1,000 people expected to be employed during construction. In the operational phase, 100 employees will work specifically on this line," Balluku explained.
The project promises several key benefits, including economic growth through improved infrastructure in the project area, enhanced quality of life for local communities with access to safe and reliable transportation, and reduced transport costs for citizens and goods.
Balluku also underscored the environmental advantages of this transport initiative, noting that the EU strongly supports the improvement and rehabilitation of railway lines across member and candidate countries.
The total cost of the railway project is estimated at 370 million Euros, with 50% of the funding coming in the form of a grant. According to Balluku, this grant is one of the largest Albania has received, driven by EU policies to encourage rail transport development.
This funding has been secured from the WBF, EBRD and the EU.
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