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When will the Tirana-Durrës railway be put into operation?/ Karakaçi gives details

2026-05-22 12:59:00, Aktualitet CNA

When will the Tirana-Durrës railway be put into operation?/ Karakaçi

The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, at today's press conference was asked about the deadline for the commissioning of the Tirana-Durres railway.

Karakaçi did not give a final deadline, but added that in 2027, we could have the first functional railway line in Albania.

"Regarding the commissioning of the Tirana-Durres railway, the work on making the main tracks has been completed. It is a project under construction and development. There have certainly been relevant delays because the railway project, when the first loan was received, was incomplete, it was not in the electrification phase and there were no relevant stations, which have already been exhausted. We also have a procurement procedure regarding electrification, which is the final phase of this railway procedure.

The important element is that the Albanian Railway has matured the project with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and has decided, because the railway's point of concern was in Kashar, and now the Albanian Railway has started the return procedures to complete the last four kilometers of the Tirana-Durres railway, at the point where the train station in Tirana has always been. This procedure has also been started and has been published. I estimate that in 2027 it is feasible, the first functional railway line in Albania" , said Karakaçi.

The Minister also spoke about the construction of the Milot-Balldre road, saying that this project has not progressed at the right pace, but added that the winning bid for its construction will be announced at the end of May or beginning of June.

"I want to reiterate the approval of the agreement for the financing of the 'Gateway to the Alps' project. The government has important projects for the Shkodra region. It is an investment measure that no other region has had. This implies a commitment to the north of Albania. The issue raised by the citizens of the Lezha and Shkodra regions is the Milot-Balldren road. This road has gone through several unsuccessful stages. The government has been willing to transform it into a class A highway and relieve traffic. This project has not progressed at the right pace. We are in the bid evaluation phase and it is expected that at the end of May or the beginning of June we will announce the winner for the Milot-Balldren road. This road will be built, it will be of category A and there will also be an alternative road ," said Karakaçi.

He further spoke about Porto Romano, saying that it remains a strategic hub for the movement of goods and for defense, as it is part of Corridor 8.

"Even the second competition for Porto Romano was not successful. Even the second bidder said that it was impossible for him to bring a second bid due to the increase in costs. Porto Romano is a strategic hub for the movement of goods, but also for defense, as there is interest from NATO because it is part of Corridor 8. We are in talks and we will try to provide a solution and revitalize that project as soon as possible ," said Karakaçi. /CNA