TIRANA, April 8 /ATA/ Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, also Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, stated today that the agreement signed with the European Investment Bank for financing the Durrës – Rrogozhinë railway project marks another milestone in the development of railway transport.
In a media briefing following the signing of the agreement in Tirana with the Director of the European Investment Bank, Lionel Rapaille, Balluku emphasized that the construction of the Durrës-Rrogozhinë railway, part of Corridor VIII, will link the highways, as well as the energy highway, that connects Albania with North Macedonia.
“All of these components are putting together a puzzle of railway transport, one of the most important modes of transportation for the EU, as it offers financial efficiency for every citizen and, on the other hand, is environmentally friendly,” stated Balluku.
Deputy Prime Minister said that the Tiranë – Durrës railway segment is nearing completion and will be finished by the end of this year. The remaining elements, including electrification and the development of a fleet of wagons and locomotives for operation, are expected to be completed by 2026.
At the same time, she informed that the construction of the Vorë-Hani i Hotit railway, one of the most important connecting segments in the region, will begin in 2025.
According to her, this segment is set to be completed in 2029.
Balluku stated that the project for the “Railway of the Nation” will be presented soon.
“In the upcoming days, we will present the national project, which holds significant importance for the economic development of both Albania and Kosovo. This project is the ‘Railway of the Nation,’ and the presentation will take place in Shkodra, where the station will link Shkodra to Gjakova,” said Balluku.
She also stated that by the end of the year, a detailed project for the Durrës-Rrogozhinë railway segment will be finalized, with the project expected to be completed by 2028.
Balluku highlighted that this segment will be followed by the Rrogozhinë-Pogradec segment, which is expected to be completed in 2029.
“These national and regional strategic projects bring Albania even closer to its dream of European Union membership,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister.
The signing of the agreement for the Durrës-Rrogozhinë railway project marks another important step towards the modernization of our infrastructure.
The agreement includes a 62 million euro grant for Albania from the European Commission.
The total value of the investment amounts to 120.5 million euros.
Corridor VIII, stretching 172 km, is not just benefitial for Albania. It serves as an energy and infrastructure link connecting Italy, Albania, North Macedonia, and ultimately reaching Bulgaria. /j.p/sm/
