 |
| Sketch of the map from where the Durrës-Prishtina railway will pass |
The estimated cost of the Durrës-Prishtina railway has been calculated at 700 million euros. Now, Albania, Kosovo, and Albania have agreed to a change in the route of the Durrës-Prishtina railway.
The Minister of Infrastructure in Kosovo, Liburn Aliu, has announced that a final route for the railway connecting Kosovo to Albania has been agreed upon.
"This is very good news that we now have a bilateral agreement on the route the railway will take, connecting Kosovo to Albania," stated Aliu.
He mentioned that intensive work will commence soon to realize the project in accordance with their commitments after the feasibility study process.
"In line with our commitments after the feasibility study process, intensive work will begin towards the realization of one of the largest infrastructure projects that will connect not only citizens but also the economies of our countries and beyond," Aliu added.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also shared updates on infrastructure projects, emphasizing changes in plans, particularly regarding the Albania-Kosovo railway.
"There are intensive communications with Kosovo regarding the progress of the Durrës-Prishtina railway. There is an agreement from both sides to explore a change in the route passing through Shkodra, Gjakova, and finally, Prishtina. This is a desired solution, also favored by Kosovo," declared Rama.
A few days ago, Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, highlighted the railway project connecting Durrës to Prishtina, describing it as a national project with confirmed commitment from both governments.
"We don't forget the project that connects Durrës to Prishtina, not only as an important commercial transport that will link the port of Durrës to the dry port of Prishtina but also as an alternative transport that will connect numerous passengers between the two countries," stated Balluku.
She emphasized that this is a project that will be supported by both governments, considering it a national project that connects Albanians.
"While it is not part of the European transport corridors, such as the segments Vorë-Hani i Hotit or Durrës-Pogradec, the two governments are committed, and I believe that with the completion of the feasibility study, which is now underway, we will be ready to open an international competition between our two countries and immediately start the construction of this railway, which is a big dream yet to be realized," she added.
The contract with the winning company, which will conduct the feasibility study for the Durrës-Tiranë railway, has already been signed, with a final value of approximately 202 million lekë or around 2 million euros, including value-added tax.
The consortium of operators "ILF Consulting Engineers Austria GmbH & ABKONS SH.P.K" was declared the winner just a short while ago, following a procedure that took more than a year to finalize due to encountered issues.
The procedure concluded in the Public Procurement Commission and was subsequently re-announced. The implementation duration of this contract between the Albanian Railways and the winning company is 14 months, at the end of which the study will be submitted.
The estimated cost of the Durrës-Prishtina railway is calculated at 700 million euros, marking it as a project of particular significance.