Monteput, responsible for managing the key highway section, has successfully collected €19.4 million in toll fees during its two years of operation. According to Monteput officials, €10.2 million was collected in the last year alone, marking a million euro increase from its inaugural year.
Since July 13 last year, the highway has witnessed the passage of 2.54 million vehicles, reflecting a 12% increase in traffic intensity compared to its first year of operation, when 2.26 million vehicles traversed the priority stretch from Smokovac to Mateševo.
Monteput has been dedicated to enhancing Montenegro’s transportation infrastructure since its inception. This year marks the second anniversary of operations along the Smokovac to Mateševo segment, underscoring their efforts and achievements in improving highway functionality and safety.
“In the preceding period, Monteput has established a functional management and maintenance system through service organization and equipment procurement, aimed at ensuring safe highway use,” stated company officials.
They further highlighted that the anniversary of the priority section’s operation serves as an occasion to showcase their work and accomplishments. This year, the highway received operational clearance, signifying the absence of technical deficiencies impacting safety and functionality. During the trial operation phase, identified issues were promptly addressed through collaborative efforts with supervisory bodies and investors, ensuring functional testing was conducted.
Monteput emphasized the continuous operation of services for civil, electromechanical maintenance, traffic management, safety and rescue operations, and toll collection, operating around the clock to maintain a functional and safe highway.
“In addition to our workforce, we have equipped ourselves with necessary machinery, including 21 specialized maintenance vehicles and five firefighting units,” Monteput officials confirmed, underscoring their commitment to infrastructure upkeep.
They reported fewer traffic incidents and vehicle fires on the highway this year compared to previous years, with 24 accidents resulting in nine injuries and one fatality, alongside 18 vehicle fires, half of which caused minor material damage.
Monteput remains focused on enhancing toll service quality and system efficiency. They recently launched a promotional sale of tag devices priced at €10, with a minimum account top-up of €20, offering a 10% toll discount for all Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) users. Expansion of the Mateševo toll center and increased tag sales and recharge locations aim to boost ETC user numbers, easing traffic flow and congestion at toll plazas.
The company is actively involved in developing project documentation for new highway and expressway sections. They have initiated tenders for one conceptual project and six conceptual solutions, setting the stage for future infrastructure design, contracting, and construction.
“In a significant development, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved favorable credit for the extension of the Mateševo to Andrijevica highway construction,” Monteput officials announced. They highlighted the completion of a prequalification call and ongoing evaluation of applications in line with EBRD criteria.
Reflecting on financial operations, Monteput disclosed that the Sozina Tunnel generated €11.96 million in revenue last year, with an outstanding €8.5 million debt to the European Investment Bank (EIB), slated for repayment by May 2030, stemming from tunnel construction loans.
Monteput affirmed its ongoing commitment to advancing Montenegro’s transportation infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity, spur economic development, and integrate into the European corridor network.
