Montenegro is poised to enhance its transport infrastructure with the forthcoming signing of a €693.97 million contract for the design and construction of the Mateševo–Andrijevica section of the Bar–Boljare motorway. This significant agreement, anticipated to be finalized on February 27, follows the Montenegrin government’s approval for Monteput’s executive director to engage with the winning bidder, a consortium comprising PowerChina, Stecol, and PCCD.
The Mateševo–Andrijevica segment, spanning approximately 22 to 23 kilometers, is critical to completing the north-south motorway that connects the Adriatic port of Bar to the Serbian border. This development comes on the heels of the successful opening of the first phase of the motorway from Smokovac to Mateševo, which has already commenced operations.
The financing framework for this project incorporates both domestic and international funding sources. A notable component includes a €200 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) alongside a €150 million investment grant from the European Union. The remaining funds are expected to be sourced from Montenegro’s state budget, designed to align with EBRD standards and optimize contributions from EU co-financing.
In accordance with the procurement process, three bids were assessed. The PowerChina–Stecol–PCCD consortium presented the most competitive offer at €693.97 million, surpassing proposals from Cengiz–Azvirt at €735 million and China Communications Construction Company at €724.64 million. A fourth bid was disqualified due to non-compliance with tender requirements.
Upon contract finalization, preparatory and design work is set to commence within this year, with construction activities projected to unfold over the next five years. The Mateševo–Andrijevica section is regarded as a vital infrastructure initiative for Montenegro, anticipated to bolster regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth in northern municipalities, and enhance strategic transport links with neighboring countries.
