In the Railway Infrastructure (ŽICG), they are extremely satisfied with the achieved results in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the railway system, which, as announced, will continue this year with the implementation of contracts with international financial institutions that have recognized the developmental vision of the company’s management.
The Executive Director of ŽICG, Marina Bošković, stated that two important contracts will commence this year.
“The first is a contract with the European Investment Bank (EIB) in the amount of 80 million EUR, of which 40 million are non-repayable funds. They will be used for the rehabilitation of 13 steel bridges, eight tunnels, and 20 kilometers of railway on the Lutovo-Bratonožići-Bioče section,” Bošković said in an interview.
She mentioned that the second major investment contract with the EIB and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) amounts to 112 million EUR in loans and an equal amount in grants, i.e., non-repayable funds, for the reconstruction of the railway section Golubovci-Bar. This is also the largest grant amount that Montenegro has ever received.
This includes not only the reconstruction of the track, but also the replacement of signaling and safety devices, all electrification facilities and elements of the contact network, as well as the reconstruction of the Sozina tunnel and the landslide in Ratac. Furthermore, recognizing the modern needs of passengers and the importance of Montenegro’s tourism development, the management is actively working on projects to reconstruct and modernize all railway stations.
“Speaking only about what we have achieved in this period, I can say that we are extremely satisfied, and within three to five years, we expect the reconstruction of all elements of railway infrastructure, meaning that in five years, all railway routes in Montenegro will be completely reconstructed and modernized. What I can say is that our next station is the future,” Bošković concluded.
She added that international financial institutions have recognized the company’s vision, dedication, and implementation capabilities.
“Therefore, we are in the phase of implementation, modernization, and reconstruction of all complex railway infrastructure systems,” Bošković said.
