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.
I also find that using rail transport is much more efficient and enjoyable when things work compared to other modes. Although, traveling throughout Albania nowadays is in a decent or at least modestly good spot due to high availability of buses and privately-owned intercity passenger vans. I agree government, organization is very deficient in quality even if it exists in some form but a cultural shift towards what is expected of institutions, governance, transparency from both the political class and people is needed.