The ongoing delays on the Jaz–Tivat boulevard project have once again drawn attention to persistent shortcomings in Montenegro’s infrastructure planning and project-management systems. Construction teams recently encountered outdated or incomplete documentation of underground utilities, forcing work stoppages and schedule revisions. As engineers attempt to update technical data and coordinate with utility providers, concerns are mounting over the project’s timeline, cost implications and broader impact on coastal mobility.
The boulevard is a vital artery for both residents and tourists. Situated along one of the busiest corridors in the country, it serves as a strategic link connecting the Budva Riviera with Tivat and the wider Bay of Kotor region. Any delay in its completion affects daily commuting patterns, emergency response routes, and the overall quality of the tourism experience—one of Montenegro’s key economic drivers.
The underlying issue, however, extends beyond a single project. Montenegro has long faced structural challenges in infrastructure development, including incomplete utility registries, inconsistent documentation standards, weak coordination between municipal and state authorities, and slow permitting procedures. These deficiencies create bottlenecks that raise project costs, invite disputes between contractors and the state, and prolong construction timelines.
The Jaz–Tivat case is now being discussed as a broader warning signal. Industry experts argue that Montenegro must modernise its infrastructure-governance framework, especially as future projects—such as road upgrades, tourism corridors, energy networks and urban developments—will require far more precise planning documentation.
Authorities have committed to accelerating efforts to update underground utility databases and improve inter-agency coordination, but project managers warn that further delays remain possible unless the foundational issues are addressed. The situation underscores how administrative inefficiencies can undermine economic potential even in priority sectors like transport and tourism.
