The Council of Ministers approved on Wednesday an agreement between the Republic of Albania and the European Investment Bank, for the financing of the railway line Vorë-Hani i Hotit (border with Montenegro) worth Euro 100 million.

The Minister of State for Relations with the Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, said that through this strategic project, the rehabilitation of the railway line Vorë - Hani i Hotit will be implemented, to enable the provision of modern transport service, the achievement of sustainable green mobility according to EU standards.

"The rehabilitation of the railway line with a length of 120 km and the rehabilitation of 12 railway stations for passengers and goods is foreseen, while the average travel time from Vora to Hani i Hotit is expected to be 2 hours," said Spiropali in a statement, after the government meeting.

On June 6, the Assembly ratified the loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, for the rehabilitation of this railway line.

A part of the total investment cost will be covered by the state budget, the rest by the EBRD, the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework and the European Investment Bank.

"The project aims to connect Albania with Montenegro via the joint railway station of Tuzi towards Podgorica, and further to international rail connections between the capitals, including Belgrade, Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Budapest, and will give an impetus to the development of the country's economy," declared Spiropali.

According to her, this strategic project is a great opportunity for Shkodra, the district, and the entire northwestern region.

"The capital of the north and beyond will see a boost in development through increased access from the rehabilitation of this line," she said.

The implementation of the project aims at the construction of an interactive railway infrastructure, connected with the neighboring countries of the region and beyond, that meets the requirements of the European Railway Traffic Management System, creating the best conditions for the development of passenger and freight services, the growth economic and social development within the country and encouraging the transition from road transport to rail transport, promoting a more efficient alternative for the community and businesses.

According to the minister, this work will strengthen the connection between Albania and the region, promoting sustainable mobility that lays the foundations for a modern, safe, and comprehensive railway network.

"As the governing majority, we are always more and more convinced to respond to the challenges and obligations we have towards our citizens, to fully complete the historic National project", declared the minister.