Speaking at a consultation with representatives of major international companies on the proposed contract, Karakaçi said the Tirana-Durres-airport project included rehabilitation of the existing railway line, a new connection to the airport, construction of stations and electrification.

“Works on the rehabilitation and stations are now nearing completion, while the final component of the project, electrification, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027,” Karakaçi said.

He said Albania’s railway sector had long faced shortcomings, many of them inherited, as well as funding constraints associated with the high cost of developing railway infrastructure.

In recent years, however, Albania has begun a broader investment programme aimed at restoring and modernising its rail network and gradually integrating it with regional and European networks, he said.

The proposed public service contract for the Tirana-Durres-airport corridor is intended to establish the framework for passenger rail services, setting out the public service obligation, service standards, operator responsibilities and compensation mechanism.

The minister said the competitive procedure was also intended to ensure transparency and flexibility while bringing private-sector expertise into Albania’s railway system.

The market consultation would help the government assess available options for rolling stock, financing, maintenance and service mobilisation, as well as the potential contribution of international operators to developing domestic expertise, including within Albanian Railways, particularly in maintenance, Karakaçi said.

“Albania is entering a new phase for its railway system,” he said. “We are investing in infrastructure, rehabilitating existing corridors, preparing electrification and modern signalling systems, connecting railways with airports and ports and restoring international links. Above all, we are working to turn these investments into concrete services for citizens.”

Karakaçi described the public service contract for the Tirana-Durres-airport route as a key link between the new infrastructure being developed and the passenger services expected by the public.

He said cooperation between Albanian institutions, European and financial partners, international consultants and the private sector would be essential to delivering the project, and thanked the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and EU consultants for their assistance to Albanian Railways.

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