Montenegro plans reconstruction and modernization of its railway network

An efficient transport system is vital for establishing connections between people, for economic prosperity and for growth. The railway market of the European Union is defined as a common market, and therefore decision makers must redefine their national policies and legislation to reflect this. At the Railway Forum in Podgorica, the Head of the Operations Section of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Mr. Nicola Bertolini, said that Montenegro is fully involved in the process of accession to the European Union and thus it has to fulfil its obligations, especially transposing the provisions of EC directives into national legislation.He added that the EU Delegation is pleased to hear that a revised railway law and new railway safety and interoperability law have been developed. He also said that the Montenegrin Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs has established the Railway Directorate, which will have to transpose and implement the EC Directives dedicated to safety.“While alignment with the Acquis is necessary, it is not sufficient to meet the obligations of EU membership. Montenegro must also take all necessary measures to create the required implementing structures, to bring its administrative capacities to the required level and to ensure effective enforcement”, explained Mr. Bertolini.The Minister for Transport and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Andija Lompar, said that in the next five years more than 80% of investments in the European transport sector will be in railways.He added that Montenegro has a new Railway Directorate which will be the national regulator of railway transport. Mr. Lompar added that Montenegro is currently in the process of reconstructing and modernising its railway network.“The railway system has great importance in the EU because of its effectiveness. Railways should have an equal importance in Montenegro and in the Western Balkans”, he concluded. Source; European Union