Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku announced on Saturday that the feasibility study and the conceptual design for the Durrës-Pristina railway have been completed.

Balluku said that the report has been presented to two teams from Kosovo and Albania. “The report, which was presented by the consultant in the presence of teams from Kosovo and Albania, now paves the way for the implementation of the most important infrastructure work for the nation and the economy of the region as a whole. The red and black railway,” said Balluku.

The railway connecting Albania’s biggest port city of Durrës to Kosovo’s capital Pristina is important not only as a commercial transport link, connecting the port of Durrës with the dry port of Pristina, but also as an alternative transport link that will connect the many travelers between the two countries.

This railway is not part of the European transport corridors, as is the case with the Vora-Hani i Hotit or Durrës-Pogradec segments. However, the two governments are committed. Upon completion of the feasibility study, they will open the tender procedures, combined between the two countries, to immediately start the construction of this railway, which has been described as a great dream that has remained unrealized.

The railway that will connect Albania with Kosovo is expected to partially cross the route where the Vora-Hani i Hotit railway will be built. It is expected that the railway will pass from Durrës to Shkodra, to continue to Gjakova, and then to Pristina.

The estimated cost of the Durrës-Pristina railway is calculated at Euro 700 million. This railway line is considered of special importance.

The idea of ??building this railway line is of triple importance. Firstly, through this railway line, the exchange of goods transport between Albania, Kosovo, and the wider region will significantly increase due to lower costs and greater capacities. Secondly, it is related to the development of railway passenger transport, which will be very attractive and favorable for both countries and beyond. Thirdly, this railway line offers the best and most favorable alternative for the shorter connection of Albania’s railway network, namely Corridor VIII with Corridor X, according to documents.