Albania launches tender for Vorë-Hani i Hotit railway reconstruction
The Albanian Telegraphic Agency reports that Hekurudha Shqiptare (Albanian Railways) has opened a tender for the reconstruction of the Vorë-Hani i Hotit railway segment. The tender was announced through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) procurement system, as the bank is a key financier of the project.
Why is this important: The 120-kilometer railway will connect Vorë to Hani i Hotit on the Montenegro border, linking Albania with the European railway network. The project is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) extension in the Western Balkans. The upgraded railway will meet EU standards, supporting passenger and freight transport while reducing travel time between Vorë and Hani i Hotit to just two hours.
Funding and infrastructure: The project is estimated at €356 million. It will be financed through loans by EBRD and the European Investment Bank (EIB), as well as grants from the European Union. The project includes the construction of 12 stations, a 320-meter tunnel, and 112 bridges. Trains will operate at speeds of up to 120 km/h, with electrification completed by 2025.
Benefits: The Vorë-Hani i Hotit railway spans seven municipalities across Albania’s Western Lowlands. Originally constructed between 1960–1985, the line will modernize Albania’s railway system. It is expected to handle 2.3 million passengers and 900,000 tons of freight annually. Given Vorë’s location, in the heart of the Tirana industrial zone where half the country’s economic production is concentrated the railway is expected to play an important role in boosting Albania’s economy by reducing travel costs, increasing mobility and regional trade.
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