Construction has resumed on the cable-car system serving Đalovića Cave near Bijelo Polje, reviving one of northern Montenegro’s most important tourism projects after a prolonged interruption caused by environmental and construction concerns.
The cable car will connect Podvrh Monastery with the entrance to the cave. The route is approximately 1.7 kilometres long and crosses difficult terrain above the Đalovića Gorge. The main contractor is Italy’s Leitner, while Novi Volvoks is participating as subcontractor.
The system is designed around two eight-seat gondolas, with an estimated journey time of approximately six minutes. Construction teams are working on the technically demanding seventh tower and an access road required to transport structural components.
The Ministry of Public Works expects the cable-car works to be completed by the end of summer, creating the possibility of an autumn opening. That timetable remains exposed to testing, certification, environmental compliance and the completion of associated visitor infrastructure.
Works were suspended at the end of 2021 after irregularities were identified within the protected area. Their resumption followed the fulfilment of additional environmental conditions. The interruption illustrates the risk of advancing tourism infrastructure before environmental requirements, construction methods and protected-area constraints are fully integrated into project design.
Đalovića Cave can broaden Montenegro’s tourism offer away from the Adriatic coast and create demand in Bijelo Polje and surrounding northern municipalities. The local economic effect could extend to accommodation, restaurants, transport, guiding and rural tourism.
The asset’s financial viability will depend on annual visitor numbers, ticket pricing, operating costs and the duration of the accessible season. A cable car alone cannot create a destination. Road access, parking, visitor management, safety systems, cave protection and local accommodation must operate as a coordinated tourism product.
The project’s completion would demonstrate that Montenegro can restart a delayed capital investment after addressing environmental deficiencies. Its longer-term credibility will depend on preventing visitor growth from damaging the natural asset on which the business model rests.
