Përshëndetje! How come there used to be train connections for passengers in Albania, but all of that is gone nowadays? From what I’ve figured out trains are used only for freight transport. Was it because government didn’t care about supporting the development of railway?
During communist regime it had dual use for freight and passengers. After the regime fall it felt into disarray, parts of it were stolen and sold for scrap during the transition and maintainence was basically inexistent. There was some minor operational routes for freight occassionally after 2000s but the earthquake in 2019 destroyed key sections.
Right now the Rinas-Tiranë route is 97% complete. The route has been renewed, electrified and extended. However it has not been open to public due to governmental incompetence. The next routes that are confirmed on the plan to be renewed and modernised with EU help are Vorë-Hani Hotit and corridor 8 connection route through Durres-Shkup-Sofia. Durrës-Prishtinë is on the feasibility phase and is less clear when and how the construction will proceed.
Thanks! I’d love to visit Albania one day when the trains finally start running. The country definitely has good culture, people and nature. The only thing that seems to be lacking is proper government and organisation.