ŽPCG Orders €30 Million Stadler FLIRT EMUs for Montenegro

PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO – Montenegro’s national passenger rail operator, Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore (ŽPCG), has finalized a €30 million agreement with Swiss manufacturer Stadler for the supply of three four-car FLIRT electric multiple units (EMUs). Financed through a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the new rolling stock is scheduled for delivery within 36 months. The acquisition represents a major step in upgrading the country’s aging passenger fleet and establishing standardized cross-border services.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The procurement contract covers the manufacturing, testing, and delivery of three low-floor, four-car FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) EMUs designed to operate at speeds up to 160 km/h. Each train set will feature a seating capacity of 244 passengers, alongside dedicated areas for standing riders, luggage, and bicycles. To align with Montenegro’s national identity, the exterior livery will be customized with the country’s national colors. The vehicles will feature modern amenities including air conditioning, passenger information systems, video surveillance, and energy-efficient traction systems. Technical validation has already been completed across several European jurisdictions, which may accelerate the 36-month delivery timeline.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

This three-unit order represents a highly targeted fleet acquisition that is smaller in scale than recent regional procurement programs in the Western Balkans. For comparison, neighboring Serbia’s national operator, Srbija Voz, ordered 18 Stadler FLIRT EMUs in late 2021 for approximately €117 million to upgrade its regional network (Source: Stadler, 2021). While Montenegro’s €30 million contract is smaller in absolute scale, the technical standardization of these FLIRT units with those already operating in Serbia and Slovenia will enable uninterrupted, interoperable cross-border operations on the Belgrade-Bar line. However, specific long-term maintenance costs and spare parts supply terms under this contract were not publicly disclosed by ŽPCG.

Editor’s Analysis

This contract represents a critical pivot toward modernizing the highly constrained Belgrade-Bar railway corridor. By aligning its technical specifications with Serbia’s ongoing rail modernization program, Montenegro is positioning its network to benefit directly from broader Western Balkan transit corridors. This acquisition also highlights the growing influence of the EBRD in shaping regional transport policy by tying financial support directly to European technical standards (Source: EBRD, 2024).

FAQ

Q: What is the primary route these new Stadler trains will operate on?
A: The new EMUs are primarily destined for the Montenegro-Serbia cross-border route, facilitating modern regional services on the vital Belgrade-Bar railway line.

Q: How is the €30 million procurement project being funded?
A: The acquisition is financially supported through a loan provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Q: Are maintenance services included in the contract value?
A: The full scope of long-term maintenance and spare parts provision was not disclosed in the official contract signing announcement.