Vore-Hani i Hotit Railway Rehabilitation: Project Profile

The Vore-Hani i Hotit railway rehabilitation is a landmark €356 million project designed to comprehensively modernize a key 120km rail corridor in Albania. This strategic initiative will upgrade the line to full European Union (EU) standards, introducing complete electrification and significantly enhancing freight and passenger capacity to foster economic integration with the Western Balkans and the TEN-T Core Network.

Technical Specifications

Track and Superstructure

The project’s core involves a complete overhaul of the 120km line. This includes strategic track realignments to optimize curves and gradients for higher efficiency and speed. The track bed foundation will be widened and reinforced to increase stability and support heavier freight loads. A full replacement of the superstructure is planned, incorporating new ballast, sleepers (crossties), rails, fastenings, and modern switches (points). All associated structures, such as bridges and culverts, are being rehabilitated or replaced to ensure long-term structural integrity and safety.

Electrification and Signalling

A primary objective is the full electrification of the line. This requires constructing new electrical substations, connecting to the national high-voltage grid, and installing an overhead catenary system along the entire 120km route. The railway corridor’s cross-sectional width has been expanded to 6.6 meters to accommodate the electrification infrastructure. Furthermore, all 12 existing stations undergoing renovation will be equipped with advanced telecommunication and signalling systems to meet modern operational safety and efficiency standards.

Stations and Terminals

In addition to the modernization of twelve existing passenger stations, the project includes the construction of a new dedicated freight station, Lezhe 2, located north of Lezhe. This new facility is critical for enhancing freight logistics and handling capacity along the corridor.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic EU Integration: The project aligns Albania’s railway infrastructure with the EU’s TEN-T Core Network standards, improving interoperability and strengthening trade corridors with Montenegro and the wider Western Balkans.
• Economic Modernization: By enhancing transport efficiency and reducing transit times, the line will stimulate regional economic growth, attract investment, and facilitate future rail connections to the Port of Shengjin and Kosovo.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: The transition from diesel to electric traction significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs, contributing to Albania’s and the EU’s environmental sustainability goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is the Vore-Hani i Hotit railway project funded?

The project’s €356 million budget is co-financed by multiple international partners. This includes a €136 million grant from the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), complemented by loans of €100 million each from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

What is the project’s significance for regional connectivity?

The rehabilitation is critical for regional connectivity, as it modernizes a key segment of the Pan-European Corridor VIII and integrates Albania into the TEN-T Core Network. The project strengthens the primary rail link to Montenegro and is engineered to accommodate future branches to the Port of Shengjin and Kosovo, establishing it as a vital trade artery for the entire Western Balkans region.