Presenting the loan agreement that will pave the way to construction of the Vore-Hani i Hotit railway line, Balluku highlighted the government’s strategic projects on development of the country’s railway system.

According to her, Albanian government is prioritizing construction of a modern and efficient infrastructure that will enhance interconnection and safety.

“The railway infrastructure is considered an essential element of this modern infrastructure that has already started and is being extended throughout the country. Railway transport is one of the alternative and environment-friendly means of transport, but it is also friendly to the citizens’ finances. It is transport that the EU itself promotes,” Balluku said.

Balluku underlined that Albania has started a strategy aimed at developing the railway network, underlining that the EU assistance has been essential.

She presented the loan agreement between Albania and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the rehabilitation and electrification of the Vore-Hani i Hotit railway line.

Project’s total estimated cost is 373 million euros and it will be co-funded by Albania’s state budget, EBRD, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU) through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

This railway line is over 120 km long and connects Vore in central Albania to Hani i Hotit on the border with Montenegro, boosting regional connectivity in the Western Balkans and integration with EU markets. Part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) extension in the region, this line is Albania’s only railway connection with its neighbouring countries.

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