Montenegro’s Đalovića Cave development project in the north of the country has reached an estimated cost of approximately €32 million, compared with the initial projection of €12.2 million in 2017, while the tourism complex remains unfinished despite years of expenditure and contracted works. Around €27 million in works have been contracted, and nearly €21 million was spent between 2014 and the end of 2025. A further €1.5 million was spent during the first half of 2026, but no firm completion date has been established.
The development encompasses several components, including access roads, electricity infrastructure, visitor facilities, construction works inside the cave and a cable-car system. The cable car is valued at approximately €3.9 million, but its implementation has been affected by unresolved infrastructure and land-access issues. Other obstacles have included environmental restrictions, water-supply problems and instability along an access road. These issues have contributed to delays in completing the wider tourism complex.
The project was conceived as a major new tourism attraction for northern Montenegro, with the aim of supporting economic development in the area surrounding Bijelo Polje. Its prolonged implementation has instead exposed difficulties in coordinating project planning, infrastructure provision and environmental approvals. The increase in estimated costs has been accompanied by delays in bringing the planned tourism facilities into operation. The extended implementation period has also postponed the tourism revenue, private investment and employment expected to follow completion.
For contractors and financiers, the project illustrates the risks associated with Montenegro’s public capital-investment programme, where allocated funding and contracted works do not necessarily result in completed infrastructure within the expected timeframe.
The issue is relevant as Montenegro prepares substantially larger investments in transport, energy and environmental infrastructure. The Đalovića Cave project demonstrates the financial consequences that can arise when preparation, infrastructure requirements and the sequencing of approvals are not adequately coordinated before implementation begins.
