The Albanian government is seeking to upgrade the railway line Rrogozhina-Vlora, as well as to connect this segment with the new airport of Vlora, which is in the final stage.

The Public Procurement Agency has also published the tender announcement from the Albanian Railways, where it is requested find a company that will carry out the study and design of the final project for the rehabilitation of the existing railway line Rrogozhina-Vlora and the study and design of the final project for the connection of Vlora airport railway line with the existing railway network.

Through this, the government is aiming to create a functional and sustainable rail link, which will enable an integrated transport experience for local and foreign citizens.

This link aims to provide a combined rail transport service with air transport, facilitating passenger access to the airport in a faster, safer, and more sustainable way.

The implementation of this project is expected to significantly improve the comfort and ease of travel, giving citizens and tourists the opportunity to use a combined transport system, which helps to reduce the use of road transport and environmental pollution.

Also, one of the main objectives is to increase the safety of movement for travelers, reducing the risk of accidents and improving transport standards throughout the region.

This connection will play an important role in the economic development of the area and will contribute to increasing access to public services, while better integrating Vlora with the general national and international transport network.

The use of rail transport will lead to a significant reduction in car transport, which will be accompanied by a reduction in human accidents in car transport as well as a positive impact on the reduction of air pollution from fumes and gases.

The speed of movement is expected to be up to 120 km/h, while the category of the line will be D-4 – at UIC, with a permissible axial load of 22.5 tons/axle and longitudinal load of 8 tons/ml.

The limit fund is Euro 95 million, while the deadline for submission of offers is until January 27, 2025.

Currently, the Albanian government is rebuilding the Tirana-Durrës line, as well as building the connection of this line with the International Airport of Tirana.

The railway network in Albania has not benefited from any major overhaul since its commissioning. It currently allows for travel speeds under 60 km/h. It has not been electrified and the telecommunication and signaling system is obsolete, causing frequent interruptions in traffic. As a result, passenger services are seasonal and freight transport is inefficient.