EU Funds Albania Rail Electrification: 120 km/h by Year-End

EU invests EUR 13.2 million to electrify the Durrës–Tirana railway, enabling 120 km/h operations by year-end, solidifying Albania’s TEN-T integration.

EU Funds Albania Rail Electrification: 120 km/h by Year-End
February 2, 2026 2:39 pm
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • The European Commission has allocated EUR 13.2 million for the electrification of Albania’s 42 km Durrës–Tirana railway line.
  • The project, part of a total financial package of over EUR 85 million, will enable 120 km/h electric operations by the end of this year.
  • This investment solidifies the integration of Albania into the TEN-T network via Corridor VIII, establishing a critical EU-standard transport link.

BRUSSELS – The European Commission has channeled EUR 13.2 million through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to complete the electrification of the Durrës–Tirana railway line in Albania. The funding is part of a broader EUR 171 million package for regional private sector and infrastructure support, with the Albanian rail project being the sole railway initiative selected.

CategorySpecification / Detail
ProjectDurrës–Tirana Line Modernization & Electrification
Total Financial Package~EUR 85.6M (EUR 36.9M EBRD Loan, EUR 35.5M EU Grant, EUR 13.2M WBIF Grant)
Key StakeholdersEuropean Commission (WBIF), EBRD, Albanian Government
Primary ContractorINC Spa (Italy)
Max Operational Speed120 km/h
Strategic CorridorTEN-T Mediterranean Corridor (Extension on Corridor VIII)
Completion TargetEnd of 2024

Operational & Technical Details

The project scope covers the full modernization of the 42 km corridor serving approximately 1.5 million people. This includes the rehabilitation of the 34.5 km section between Tirana and Durrës and the construction of a new 7.4 km link to Rinas International Airport. The electrification component will transition the line to a zero-emission system compliant with EU interoperability standards.

Italian contractor INC Spa is responsible for the works. The firm’s mandate includes modernization, electrification, and the new airport link construction. The civil engineering scope is significant, requiring the construction of two new tunnels and the reconstruction of seven existing tunnels along the route.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
For context on this project’s history, we look back at the initial launch of the TBMs.

➤ Read More: Webuild Launches TBMs: Salerno-Reggio Calabria Line Gets Boost

Market Impact Analysis

This final funding tranche ensures the completion of a strategic infrastructure asset for Albania, directly connecting its capital, main port, and international airport with an EU-standard railway. For the European Union, the project serves as a tangible outcome of the Connectivity Agenda, advancing the integration of the Western Balkans into the pan-European transport network (TEN-T). The line’s position on Corridor VIII enhances its strategic value, complementing other planned upgrades in the region. The project’s successful completion will likely serve as a benchmark for future WBIF-funded transport initiatives in the Balkans, strengthening the position of EU-based contractors like INC Spa for subsequent tenders.


FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this specific funding?

The latest allocation is a EUR 13.2 million grant provided through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). It is part of a larger financial package for the project that includes a EUR 36.9 million EBRD loan and a previous EUR 35.5 million EU grant.

When is the expected completion date?

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.