Montenegro has approved the next implementation stage of the approximately €175 million reconstruction of the Golubovci-Bar railway, moving the EU-backed transport project toward construction. The government approved a project agreement involving the Transport Ministry, Željeznička infrastruktura Crne Gore and the EBRD. The Western Balkans Investment Framework has allocated €112.62 million in grants, while the broader financing package includes around €63 million in loans.
Rail infrastructure works
The project covers approximately 39.6 km of open track, 17 km of station tracks and 6 km of shunting tracks. The works also include up to 10 stations and stops, 11 bridges, as well as signalling, telecommunications and traction-power infrastructure. The reconstruction is part of the broader rehabilitation of the Bar-Belgrade railway and is linked to the regional transport role of the Port of Bar.
Port of Bar and regional connectivity
The port competes with other Adriatic ports for cargo moving from Serbia and central Europe, while ageing railway infrastructure, low speeds and operational restrictions affect its inland logistics connections. The €112.62 million grant component reduces the amount Montenegro needs to finance through borrowing within the overall project package. The project comes as Montenegro expands infrastructure investment while managing its public debt, with EU-backed grants forming part of the financing structure for major transport projects.
Implementation enters focus
The next stage of the project places greater emphasis on execution, following the approval of the implementation agreement and financing framework. Montenegro has faced delays in converting secured financing into completed design, procurement and construction across infrastructure projects, including roads, railways and municipal investments. The Golubovci-Bar reconstruction will therefore move into implementation with financing consisting of the €112.62 million EU grant allocation and approximately €63 million in loans, covering the planned railway works and associated infrastructure.
