Without adequate investment in infrastructure projects, it is not possible to discuss any development of cooperation with neighboring countries, and therefore with the rest of the countries of the European Union (EU), as assessed by the Minister of Transport, Maja Vukićević.
"Railway overhaul is only one of the modernization segments, while at the same time, the development of intelligent transport systems must be pursued. We believe that the countries of the region should follow the example and path of the joint performance of Montenegro and Serbia to seek financial support for the improvement of the entire railway network," said Vukićević.
In Budapest, she met with transport ministers as part of a presentation on a panel entitled Competitive EU railway sector, with whom she exchanged information based on project developments in the railway transport sector.
"In the previous period, Montenegro provided significant financial resources for the overhaul and modernization of the Bar-Vrbnica railway, i.e. route 4, which created the conditions for the continuation of the reconstruction of the railway, which began in 2009," said Vukićević.
As she stated, with previously provided funds, it is expected that through the implementation of the projects in the coming period, Montenegro will have the complete section of route 4 overhauled.
Vukićević, as reported by the Ministry, said that in June of this year, a contract was signed on the procurement of new electric locomotives for the needs of Railway transport, which will be used in internal traffic.
Also, in the same month, the joint railway station Bijelo Polje was opened, where the joint bodies of the administrations of Montenegro and Serbia are located, with the aim of reducing the time that trains are detained at border crossings.
"For now, train control time has been reduced by about 40 minutes. Together with Minister Vesić, we sent a joint letter to the European Commission (EC), requesting financial support for the overhaul of part of route 4 on the territory of Serbia, so we hereby invite all participants to support this request, the implementation of which would have only positive effects on the entire region, and at the same time and better connection with the EU", Vukićević said.
According to her, investing in the infrastructural capacities of the Port of Bar and the railway network that represents the hinterland of the port would achieve positive effects in the long term, both for Montenegro and Serbia.
"Implementation of the planned projects would increase the capacities of the Port of Bar, and by removing the bottlenecks on the railway network, we would make the transport of goods more efficient, and thus attract new users, since the Port of Bar is located at the very entrance to the Adriatic Sea," explained Vukićević.
When talking about administrative barriers, in the final stage of preparation, the new Law on Railways, harmonized with the relevant EU regulations, which relate to the opening of the market, the recognition of foreign operators, as well as the cooperation of the national infrastructure manager with foreign administrations, with the aim of better and more efficient organization of passenger and cargo transportation.
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