The Ministry of Infrastructure & Energy and the EU-funded CONNECTA2 programme
are developing proposals to award a public service contract for the operation of passenger trains on the national rail network.
Albania is aligning its transport policies with the EU as part of its accession process. A restructuring of state railway HSH is planned, with the establishment of a vertically-separated infrastructure manager for the 677 km network.
The ministry has commissioned a preliminary market consultation to assess interest in a passenger operating contact and gather feedback so that it can ensure a transparent, competitive and efficient tendering process.
Operators would have ‘a unique opportunity to enter a growing market with strong government and EU support, offering potential for long-term profitability through public service contracts and future expansion into cross-border services’.
Passenger services would primarily operate on the Durrës – Tiranë – Tiranë International Airport corridor, with potential future extensions to Hani i Hotit on the border with Montenegro and Pogradec on the North Macedonia border. Passenger operations are estimated at 1·1 million train-km in 2026, rising with future extensions to around 4 million train-km in 2036.
Lines are being modernised for 120 km/h operation, with ETCS Level 1 and a possible future upgrade to Level 2. Electrification at 25 kV 50 Hz is planned.
The selected train operator would supply and possibly maintain new, second-hand or leased rolling stock, and could also be required to collect fares.
The contract length and remuneration model will be determined based on the outcome of the market consultation, taking into account rolling stock lifecycles, mobilisation costs and the need to ensure a competitive tender.
Tendering is expected to begin in Q3 2025 for operations to start in Q3 2026.
