Montenegro’s railway service, Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore (ŽPCG), is currently experiencing one of the most severe crises in its history, with frequent train cancellations due to technical issues. Yesterday, passengers traveling on the Podgorica – Nikšić and Podgorica – Bar routes were forced to use alternative bus transport, as numerous train services were suspended due to faulty trains.
According to sources within the railway sector, the problems stem from years of neglected maintenance, delays in acquiring spare parts and an outdated fleet. The situation has caused significant frustration among passengers, while authorities have promised swift measures to address the issues and improve the infrastructure.
Cancellations
Trains departing from the Podgorica station for Bar at 5:10 AM and 7:55 AM, as well as those from Bar to Podgorica at 6:40 AM and 9:25 AM, were all cancelled yesterday. Additionally, trains from Nikšić to Podgorica at 6:20 AM and 10:20 AM were cancelled, along with the 8:00 AM train from Podgorica to Nikšić.
Instead of trains, alternative bus services were organized by ŽPCG for passengers traveling from Nikšić, with one bus traveling directly to Podgorica and another taking a route via Danilovgrad and Spuž.
ŽPCG is facing what is considered the worst crisis in its history, with all trains on the Podgorica – Nikšić line cancelled due to technical failures, and passengers being rerouted onto buses.
Sources from the Pobjeda daily revealed that the train breakdowns are a result of years of neglected maintenance and a lack of spare parts, leading to what many describe as a “complete system collapse.”
Passengers who had planned to travel to Nikšić yesterday had to adjust to the situation, as no train was operational. According to railway sources, the trains for Nikšić will not be in service today either, and passengers will continue to be transported by buses.
“The technical failure of all trains on the Nikšić line is not a new issue. It is the result of years of poor maintenance and delays in acquiring spare parts. The trains cannot be quickly repaired, and it’s only a matter of time before the entire system shuts down,” said a ŽPCG source to Pobjeda.
Concerns over repair quality
A particular concern is the poor quality of train repairs, with many trains returning from maintenance in a non-functional state.
“For example, the electric multiple unit (EMU) on the Podgorica – Bar route has been in service for only eight months over the past four years, despite being repaired by the Serbian company ‘Želvoz.’ What is further worrying is the plan to send the CAF trains, a significant portion of the fleet, for repairs at the same company, which raises concerns about the reliability of future repairs,” the source added.
ŽPCG announced yesterday that the disruptions on the Podgorica – Nikšić – Podgorica route were due to temporary technical failures of some EMUs. As a result, alternative bus transport was organized for passengers. A similar alternative bus service was also arranged for the Podgorica – Bar – Podgorica route.
ŽPCG highlighted that they have a limited number of trains available to operate the current schedule. “In case of a breakdown, we are forced to organize alternative bus transportation for our passengers,” they said in a statement.
Efforts to address the situation
ŽPCG emphasized that they are making every effort to resolve the technical problems as quickly as possible. “Currently, the CAF EMUs are in the Podgorica depot due to temporary technical failures, and we expect that the issues will be resolved soon. One EMU has already been repaired and will be included in regular service on the Podgorica – Bar – Podgorica route at 12:55 PM, as train number 6155,” the company stated.
They also issued an apology to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the cancellations. “We apologize to our passengers for having to organize alternative bus transportation due to the current situation. ŽPCG, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, is making efforts to address the situation to the satisfaction of our customers, and we are also working on procuring new EMUs, which will soon be acquired through credit funds from the EBRD,” the statement read.
However, according to Pobjeda’s sources, the EMU train did not operate yesterday, and instead, a train made up of a locomotive and two carriages was used on the Bar route.
Long-term issues
The lack of long-term planning, inadequate maintenance, delays in servicing the trains, and the lack of investment in modernizing the infrastructure have now escalated. Most of the fleet is outdated, and spare parts have not been supplied in a timely manner, preventing basic repairs.
This situation has caused dissatisfaction among passengers, who rely on rail transport as an affordable and reliable means of commuting, especially on the Podgorica – Nikšić and Podgorica – Bar routes.
€30 million secured for new trains
The Ministry of Transport stated that they are taking all necessary steps within their authority to address the current situation. “It is important to note that ŽPCG provided transportation for citizens despite the trains being unable to operate. However, we expect the ŽPCG management to take responsibility during this difficult time and ensure the flow of railway traffic while ensuring passenger safety. The Ministry has already taken all necessary steps within its jurisdiction, and we expect an inspection to reveal the true state of the company,” the Ministry said in a statement.
They also reminded that, in the past, the Ministry secured €30 million for the purchase of new trains. “This process is being led by ŽPCG. We understand the media’s interest, but it is important to consider all the facts and focus on passenger safety, which is our shared responsibility,” the Ministry concluded.
