Mediterranean Corridor: Montenegro - Albania - Greece Rail Interconnection (Rehabilitation of Section Durres - Tirana, New Railway to Rinas Branch)

Mediterranean Corridor: Montenegro - Albania - Greece Rail Interconnection (Rehabilitation of Section Durres - Tirana, New Railway to Rinas Branch)

Project Description

The railway network in Albania has not benefited from any major overhaul since its commissioning. It has not been electrified and the telecommunication and signalling system is obsolete, allowing for travel speeds under 60 km/h and causing frequent interruptions in traffic. As a result, passenger services are seasonal and freight transport is inefficient.

This €36.2 million EU grant allocated in 2016 under the Connectivity Agenda co-finances the rehabilitation of the railway sections between Tirana and the main port of Durres (34.5 km) as well as the construction of 7.4 km of new railway track between Tirana and Rinas international airport. Nearly 1.5 million people (one-third of the country’s population) live in the area serviced by this section and the two cities are the largest in Albania.

The investment has been identified in the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans within the Investment window „Sustainable Transport" as the Flagship 3 "Connecting the Coastal Regions". The Rail Route 2, linking the capitals of Tirana and Podgorica, Montenegro, and extended to the port of Durres, is a key project for the region and will be enhanced through the rehabilitation of 120 km of railway line in Albania towards the border with Montenegro.

Partner Financial Organisations

Western Balkans Partners