The European Union Delegation in Montenegro has announced a tender for the reconstruction of the railway section between Lutovo and Bioče. The project is valued at 15 million EUR excluding VAT and is issued on behalf of Montenegro Rail Infrastructure (ŽICG).
The works involve designing the modernization of about 20 km of railway track between Lutovo (km 369.98) and Bioče (km 389.94).
The contractor will be selected according to the European Investment Bank (EIB) procurement guidelines. The project is funded by an EIB loan and a grant from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Bidders from all countries may participate, provided they are not in conflict of interest or declared ineligible by the Bank.
The deadline for submitting bids is August 18 by 12:00, with public opening at 12:30 the same day.
Montenegro plans extensive railway reconstruction including repairs of 13 steel bridges, eight tunnels, and 20 km of track on the Lutovo-Bratonožići-Bioče route, along with modernization of depots and workshops. These projects are expected to be completed by 2027.
The total project budget is approximately 80 million EUR, partially financed by WBIF with 35.5 million EUR, and the remainder through an EIB loan. The railway connects Bar with Vrbnica in Serbia.
In March last year, the government approved a grant agreement for railway infrastructure improvement, and in May, signed the contract with EIB for the reconstruction of the 167 km railway line between Bar, Podgorica, and Vrbnica.
The EU financial package totals 75.5 million EUR, covering 95% of the project costs, consisting of a 40 million EUR EIB loan and two grants totaling 35.5 million EUR from the Western Balkans Investment Framework. Montenegro’s government will contribute 4.5 million EUR from its own funds.
