Montenegro’s railway network recorded declines in both passenger traffic and freight volumes during the first quarter of 2026, while the total distance travelled by freight increased compared with the same period a year earlier. The figures indicate that although fewer tonnes of cargo were transported, shipments covered longer average distances.
Passenger traffic declines
The railway carried 123,000 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, down from 138,000 in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a decline of almost 11%. Passenger transport performance also weakened, with passenger-kilometres falling 12.7% from 10.35 million to 9.04 million.
Freight volumes fall while transport distances increase
Freight transport declined more sharply than passenger traffic. The railway moved 233,000 tonnes of cargo during the first quarter, compared with 308,000 tonnes a year earlier, a decrease of approximately 24%. Despite the lower freight volume, tonne-kilometres increased from 39.87 million to 40.54 million, an increase of around 1.7%. The figures indicate that the cargo remaining on the rail network was transported over longer average distances.
Changing freight patterns
The data point to changes in the composition of commodities, customers and international transit flows. Montenegro’s railway network is closely linked with the Port of Bar, the Bar–Belgrade railway corridor, industrial customers and regional freight routes. A decline in short-distance bulk cargo can reduce overall tonnage even when longer-distance international freight movements remain stable.
Rail competitiveness remains under pressure
Passenger transport continues to face competition from road transport in terms of travel time, service frequency, reliability and passenger comfort. The Bar–Podgorica–Bijelo Polje corridor has potential for rail transport, but the condition of infrastructure, service disruptions and extended journey times continue to limit passenger demand.
Infrastructure and operational improvements
Investment in track rehabilitation, signalling systems, rolling stock, railway stations and border procedures could improve both passenger and freight performance. The economic benefits of rail investment are expected to be greatest when infrastructure upgrades are coordinated with the Port of Bar, logistics terminals and Serbia’s wider transport network.
Freight operators also require reliable timetables and predictable transit times. While infrastructure availability remains important, delays, locomotive shortages and border procedures can make road transport a more commercially attractive option. Infrastructure investment therefore needs to be accompanied by operational reforms and measurable service standards.
Regional connectivity
The decline in passenger numbers also highlights the railway’s role in regional connectivity. Municipalities in northern Montenegro depend on affordable and reliable rail links with Podgorica and the Montenegrin coast. Reductions in service frequency in response to weaker demand can further reduce passenger numbers by making rail transport less attractive.
