The development of safe and sustainable railway transport is one of the strategic priorities of the Albanian Government. In this context, the Albanian Government has enabled the public company "Hekurudha Shqiptare" sh.a necessary financing with loans and grants from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Investment Fund in the Western Balkans for the rehabilitation of the Tirana-Durrës railway section and the construction of a railway connection with Rinas Airport.
In addition to investments in physical infrastructure (route rehabilitation, signaling-telecommunication system, fencing and automation of level crossings), EBRD support includes a technical cooperation project entitled “Increasing the Capacity of Civil Society to Promote Safe Use and Sustainable Benefits” of Railway Transport in Albania.
This project aims to increase the capacity of civil society (CSOs) and raise public awareness on the socio-economic and environmental benefits of rail transport, safety risks, necessary route improvements and train movement, as well as legal provisions regarding the violation of rail transport rates.
The EBRD has engaged a local consultant (HBMC) to coordinate project implementation and 5 civil society organizations to organize - over 18 months, beginning January 18, 2021 - stakeholder awareness activities on the benefits of using transportation public in general and security measures in particular.
The main interest groups (parties located in the vicinity and along the railway corridor Tirana-Durrës and the connection with Rinas airport and that are impacted by the project for the rehabilitation of the railway in this section), where we single out:
1. Local government institutions (mainly managers and staff of relevant structures covering urban development issues, public information, economic assistance and social services)
2. Public service institutions (post office, health service center, banking services
3. Teachers of about 120 schools of the pre-university system<
4. Businesses (manufacturing, trading and service enterprises including large shopping malls)
They will be widely informed in training / awareness sessions conducted by civil society organizations and will be provided with copies of information and awareness materials for further information of various interest groups in the community they cover / serve (the general population and vulnerable groups).