TIRANA, November 10 – Investments in infrastructure and energy hold a key place in the 2026 draft budget. Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj presented the budget today to the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Employment, and Finance. The opposition did not attend.

Minister Malaj said the budget allocates 78,3 billion Lekë to infrastructure and energy, up 3,1 billion Lekë from 2025.

The funds will improve national roads, develop railway transport, and upgrade water supply and sewerage systems. The aim is to modernize the national transport network and enhance public services.

The budget plans maintenance for 3,522 kilometers of roads. It includes financing the Elbasan-Lekaj axis and expanding major segments such as the Tirana-Durrës and Berat-Ballaban highways.

It also funds the Ksamil road expansion, Saranda bypass, Kashar-Nyja Vaqarr road, the reconstruction of the old Kombinat-Ndroq-Plepa road, and the Elbasan-Qafë Thana road extension.

The railway sector will receive funding to continue rehabilitation of the Durrës-Tirana line and build the new Tirana-Rinas line. Interventions are planned on the Vora-Hani i Hotit and Durrës-Rrogozhina lines.

The draft budget allocates 11,8 billion Lekë for water supply and sewerage projects. These funds will improve drinking water networks and sewer systems in several regions.

Minister Malaj stressed that these investments support the government’s medium-term strategy for sustainable infrastructure development, road safety, and better quality of life for citizens.

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