Albania is taking important steps towards modernizing public transport, with the strong return of railways to the focus of the governing majority, which is aiming for a fourth term in the May 11 elections.
Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, while presenting the country's ambitious infrastructural transformation plan until 2035, said that projects for new highways and railways are at an advanced stage and the country is ready for a new era in transportation.
Balluku stated that from a network neglected for decades, the country is now expected to have a modern railway infrastructure of 530 km that will connect the north with the south, transforming the way citizens travel and how goods are transported.
"If we talk about taking steps towards Europe, then we must operate with the same instruments as every European country. Rail transport is one of them," said Balluku.
She noted that currently, more than 75% of the works for the Tirana-Rinas-Durrës line have been completed. Balluku further assured that this project will be delivered within 2025, to be followed by the construction of stations and electrification.
"In the spring of 2026, all components will be completed. Then we will have a completely new, efficient and affordable transportation for every citizen's pocket," emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.
In the long term, Balluku presented a clear vision for expanding the railway network throughout the territory with the Vorë–Han i Hotit railway project, for which he said works will begin in the last quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, works on the Durrës-Rrogozhina railway will begin in early 2026 and its extension from Rrogozhina to Pogradec will also be reconstructed, with works starting in 2028. Meanwhile, the creation of two internal lines is also planned, one that will connect the new industrial port of Porto Romano with the existing Tirana-Durres railway, and another for Vlora Airport, which will be connected to the city by train.
"You can't build an airport and leave it connected only by highways. Public transportation is a requirement of every tourist visiting Albania," said Balluku.
The government budget also foresees the rehabilitation of the Rrogozhina-Vlora line, and the major project "Red and Black Railway" has been introduced, which passes through Shkodra and Gjakova and is expected to create direct access to the 10th European Corridor, through the connection with Niš.
"This is no longer just a dream, but a concrete project that will give Albania a strategic position in the movement of goods in the Balkans and beyond," Balluku emphasized.
Seven projects for the Albanian railway:
1- Vorë–Han i Hotit : The start of works is planned for the last quarter of 2025
2- Durrës–Rrogozhinë : Works to open at the beginning of 2026
3- Rrogozhinë–Pogradec : Rehabilitation is planned to start in 2028
4- New Sukth–Porto Romano line : Will connect the new port with the existing railway network
5- Railway segment for Vlora Airport : It will enable the connection of the airport with the city through a modern train line
6- Rrogozhina–Vlora segment : The rehabilitation of the existing line will be carried out.
7- Red-Black Railway : Will connect Albania with the 10th European Corridor through Niš (A2 Televizion)
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