Montenegro’s transport infrastructure requires more coordinated investment in railways, ports, roads and airports to improve trade flows and economic competitiveness, according to an assessment by the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro.
The analysis identifies ageing railway infrastructure, underused maritime capacity and weak connections between transport networks as major constraints, despite improvements in road and airport infrastructure. Rail freight volumes fell from 1.21 million tonnes to 1.02 million tonnes, a decline of approximately 16%, while passenger traffic remained broadly unchanged at around 755,000–757,000 passengers. Aviation passenger numbers increased from 1.21 million to 3.08 million, although air cargo volumes dropped from 2,159 tonnes to 614 tonnes.
The Chamber recommends prioritising modernisation of the Bar–Podgorica–Bijelo Polje railway, which connects the Adriatic coast with northern Montenegro, Serbia and wider Central European markets.
Improved links between the railway, Port of Bar, warehouses, customs facilities and motorway network could strengthen the port’s role as a regional freight hub. The proposed measures also include expanding container-handling and storage capacity, improving logistics procedures and strengthening connections with the port’s hinterland.
Road infrastructure has improved, particularly with the construction of the first section of the Bar–Boljare motorway, but further sections and better connections with Serbia remain important. Integrating road transport with rail and maritime services is also identified as a priority.
Road passenger traffic increased from approximately 6.2 million to 7.1 million passengers, while congestion remains a problem in tourism destinations and urban centres, particularly around Budva, Tivat and Kotor, as well as on main routes between Podgorica and the coast.
Airport development is another priority. Passenger traffic has expanded, but operations remain seasonal, with Tivat Airport facing substantial summer pressure and lower utilisation during winter. The Chamber identifies terminal improvements, stronger winter flight connections and better links between airports and tourism centres as areas requiring investment.
The government ended the airport concession procedure without announcing a definitive alternative development model, leaving uncertainty over the future financing and management of airport investments. The Chamber also recommends improved urban public transport, digital traffic management and modern logistics systems. For manufacturing, distribution, trade and tourism businesses, inadequate transport connections increase logistics costs and restrict access to regional markets. The assessment calls for infrastructure projects to be planned as an integrated network, with investment decisions linked to their contribution to trade, regional connectivity and long-term economic returns.
