TIRANA, November 17 – The government plans to modernize Albania’s railway and integrate it into the European transport network. The 2026 draft budget allocates 6.4 billion lekë for the sector.

Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku said the goal is to revive rail infrastructure for passengers, freight, vehicles, and defense mechanisms.

The main project is the 50-km Tirana-Durrës-Rinas line, set to operate with five electric trains. Balluku called it the “new face of Albanian railways,” marking a key step toward European standards.

In 2027, the sector will receive 10 billion Lekë, rising to 11.1 billion in 2028.

The Vora-Hani i Hotit line, valued at €360 million, will receive 30% EU grant support, linking Albania with Montenegro and the TEN-T network. Other projects include Durrës-Rrogozhina, Rrogozhina-Pogradec, Rrogozhina-Vlora, Vlora-Airport, and Sukth-Porto Romano.

Balluku said a structural reform will split rail operations: one operator for infrastructure, another for passenger services, aiming to improve efficiency and quality. These investments will enable faster, safer, and more sustainable transport nationwide.

/a.p./