Tirana-Durres Railway to Be Constructed in 2.5 Years

TIRANA, April 26

An international bid for the reconstruction of Tirana-Durres railway with a branch line to Mother Teresa International Airport was launched by the General Railway Directorate. The bid launch was expected since October 2016. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure informed that the Rail Directorate opened the pre-qualification stage and the deadline for applications is on May 31st. The contract includes a series of works while construction should be done 30 months from the signing day.
The total cost of the railway project is estimated Euro 90.5 million. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a loan of Euro 36.9 million while the European Union (35.4) is going to provide a grant of Euro 35.4 million through Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). On its part, the Albania government will cover the cost for expropriations and for the Value Added Tax (VAT).
“Tirana – Durres (single) line is at present the busiest section of the Albanian railway network, providing connection of the capital of the country with Durres, the second larger Albanian city, as well with the port of Durres, the major maritime gate of the country to Europe and the rest of the world,” the prequalification notice says.
News Source: ebrd.com