INA Media editorial office
The works for the Tirana-Rinas-Durrës railway, one of the most important infrastructure projects in Albania, have significantly exceeded the anticipated deadlines and the initial budget. The project, financed with a grant of 35.5 million euros from the European Union and a sovereign loan of 36.87 million euros from the EBRD, was originally planned to be completed in the summer of 2023. However, due to delays, its costs have increased from 69.6 million euros to 91.7 million euros, and there is still no exact date for the completion of the works.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, in several public statements has mentioned the reasons for the delays, including the process of expropriations and changes in the initial project. Moreover, additional funds have been approved without holding open tenders, justifying the increase in prices and labor costs. A good part of the works is being carried out by the Albanian company "Prima Energy", which has no previous experience in this sector.
According to an EBRD announcement, Albania has requested an additional loan of 40.7 million euros to cover the increase in costs and for new components, including electrification and the construction of new stations. These additions are still in the tendering phase and the work is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Albanian institutions have refused to publish copies of contracts and inspection reports, describing the information as confidential. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the way public funds are managed and the institutional responsibility for exceeding deadlines and budgets.
The main findings of the research:
- Project cost: From 69.6 million euros to 91.7 million euros, with an additional loan of 40.7 million euros.
- Funding: European Union (35.5 million euro grant) and EBRD (77.5 million euro loan).
- Deadlines: The works were initially expected to be completed in the summer of 2023; now expected to close in early 2026.
- Lack of transparency: Contracts and inspection reports remain inaccessible to the public.
- Albanian company: "Prima Energy", without previous experience in railway construction, has taken a significant part of the works.
To read the full article click: https://ina.media/2024/12/18/hekurudha-tirane-rinas-durres-mbetet-rrugeve-ndersa-fondet-shtohen-pa-gare/
