TIRANA, November 13 – Albania will boost investment in road infrastructure next year. The 2026 draft budget allocates 35.3 billion Lekë for the road transport sector.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enkeleda Muçaj said most of the funds, about 31.4 billion lek, will go to capital projects. The plan includes the completion of key national roads and projects on Corridor VIII and the Blue Corridor.

Muçaj told the Economy, Employment, and Finance Committee that the budget will also cover road maintenance and concession projects. The goal, she said, is safer roads and higher transport standards.

A major change comes with the creation of Mobal sh.a., a new state company that will manage intercity public transport. The authority will operate strategic routes including Tirana–Ksamil, Vlora–Vlora Airport, and Shkodër–Velipoja–Shëngjin.

In its first stage, Mobal sh.a. will also connect Drilon–Tushemisht, Vlora–Orikum–Dhërmi, and Fier–Vlora Airport. The company will use a digital ticketing system to make services transparent and easier to access.

Muçaj said school transport in rural areas will also be reorganized to ensure children can reach classrooms safely.

The 2026 plan also funds new connecting roads to ease traffic. One project will link the Tirana–Elbasan highway to Corridor VIII. Another will add a new bridge on the Arbër Road at the entrance to Tirana.

Muçaj said these projects will reduce congestion and improve access between regions. She called 2026 a turning point for Albania’s transport system, with modern roads, safer travel, and a new public transport network built to European standards.

/a.p./