ALBANIAN Railways (HSH) has selected an Austrian-led consortium to conduct the feasibility study for the construction of a new line from Albania to the Kosovan capital Pristina.
The ILF Consulting Engineers Austria-Abkons submitted the winning bid valued at Lek 170m ($US 1.82m} to conduct the 14-month feasibility study and develop a comprehensive project plan.
Initially disqualified by the contracting authority, the winning consortium successfully appealed the decision, prompting Albania’s Public Procurement Commission to reopen the bidding process in April.
The cost of the project is estimated at €700m, financed by the Albanian and Kosovan governments.
Two options for the new railway in Albania are being considered branching off the Durres - Shkodër line. One option would be 125km long, running from Milot to the Kosovan border, while the other would be further north running 137km east from Mjeda, south of Shkodër, to the border.
A final decision on the chosen route will be made after a thorough evaluation of both proposals.
It is hoped to start construction in 2025. The project is expected to significantly boost economic ties between Albania and Kosovo.
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