Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has outlined an ambitious plan to modernize the country’s public transport system, with a strong emphasis on revitalizing the railway network.
Presenting the country’s infrastructure transformation plan up to 2035, Balluku stated that projects for new motorways and railways are at an advanced stage, paving the way for a new era in Albanian transport.
She announced plans to develop a modern 530 km railway network connecting the north and south of the country, transforming both passenger and freight transportation.
“If we are talking about moving towards Europe, then we must operate with the same instruments as any European state. Railway transport is one of them,” Balluku stated.
Balluku reported that over 75% of the work on the Tirana-Rinas-Durrës line is complete, with its delivery expected in 2025, 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 transport system for every citizen,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
The long-term plan includes extending the railway network with the Vorë-Han i Hotit line, with construction scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2025.
Work on the Durrës-Rrogozhinë railway will start in early 2026, and its extension from Rrogozhina to Pogradec will be reconstructed, starting in 2028. Additionally, two internal lines are planned: one connecting the new Porto Romano industrial port to the existing Tirana-Durrës railway, and another connecting Vlora Airport to the city center.
“You cannot build an airport and leave it connected only by roads. Public transport is a requirement of every tourist who visits Albania,” Balluku said.
The government budget also includes the rehabilitation of the Rrogozhinë-Vlorë line and the major “Kuqezi Railway” project, which will connect Albania to the European Corridor X via Shkodër and Gjakova.
“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 stressed.
Albania’s Railway Projects:
- Vorë–Han i Hotit: Work to begin in late 2025
- Durrës–Rrogozhinë: Work to begin in early 2026
- Rrogozhinë–Pogradec: Rehabilitation planned for 2028
- New Sukth–Porto Romano line: Connecting the new port to the existing railway
- Vlora Airport railway segment: Connecting the airport to the city
- Rrogozhinë–Vlorë segment: Rehabilitation of the existing line
- Kuqezi Railway: Connecting Albania to European Corridor X via Niš
