The government has started the pre-qualification phase for companies that will be interested in implementing the rehabilitation project of the Tirana-Durrës railway line, as well as the construction of the new Tirana-Rinas connection. Referring to the document announced by Albanian Railways, the deadline for submitting documents for the pre-qualification phase is May 31, 2018.
The document states that the Tirana-Durres line is the one with the highest volume of traffic in the railway network, enabling the country's capital to reconnect with Durrës, the largest port in the country. In general, the railway line lies on flat and less hilly area, mainly in Vora and Rrashbull, but is generally presented with light geometric characteristics.The new railway line, which will connect the airport to Tirana, starts at the 27the kilometer of the Tirana-Durres line and goes very close to the airport, implying that there will be a station there. The contract includes a series of works, which are described in detail in the announcement made by the Albanian Railways. Construction should end 30 months after the signing of the contract.
The total cost of the project is estimated at € 90.5 million, of which € 36.9 million is provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and a European Union grant of 35.4 million. VAT value and local costs are anticipated to be covered by the government.
About 1,375 direct and indirect employees are expected to be involved in the construction phase, while during the operational phase the number will reach about 2,200. The value of savings from the citizens is estimated at 55 million euros per year.