PHOTO: Screenshot YouTube

This year, the conceptual designs for constructing 480 kilometers of highways and rapid transit routes in Montenegro are set to be finalized, with actual construction anticipated to begin in 2026, as reported by Montenegro Television from the Ministry of Transport. However, the opposition expresses skepticism, doubting the Prime Minister’s commitments that the government will complete 18 sections of highways and rapid transit roads across the country.

The narrative surrounding major road investment projects, which promise to revolutionize Montenegro, and that includes the 18 highway and rapid road sections totaling 480 kilometers, is dismissed as unfounded by the opposition, according to eKapija.

“Recall that for the second section of the highway, the most feasible infrastructure project, it was stated that work would commence in September, but there are no signs of progress – not even the nails,” stated Nikola Rakočević from the DPS.

“The budget allocated for capital infrastructure projects is 280 million euros. This raises doubts about the feasibility of constructing everything being proposed; to remind you, a stretch of just 42 kilometers between Podgorica and Kolašin exceeds 600 million euros,” remarked MP Milos Konatar.

In contrast, Traffic Minister Maja Vukićević insists that the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, has initiated the reconstruction of Montenegro’s travel infrastructure. The Prime Minister previously announced that the construction of 260 kilometers of highway sections and 220 kilometers of rapid roads carries an estimated cost of 8 billion euros, with completion expected in five to seven years.

“While it is challenging to guarantee that all projects will wrap up within five to seven years, what is certain is that measures will be implemented to advance these projects in the near future. A number of conceptual projects are already finished, with the majority expected to be completed in 2025 and 2026, allowing for specific construction to commence soon,” Minister Vukićević explained.

She further noted that despite the government’s commitment to meeting deadlines, various factors could delay proceedings.

“Spatial planning requirements, the assembly of technical documentation, the entire selection process for designers, contractors, and supervision are all factors that don’t directly depend on the state as an investor. Delays can arise from issues during the tender process, complicating the situation,” added Vukićević.

However, opposition representatives find the Prime Minister’s and ministers’ assertions unconvincing.

“Like every promise made, we are quite sure that this will not only remain ambitious but will also be undermined by Spazić’s incompetence and his government’s shortcomings,” Rakočević asserted.

“I believe that for Montenegro to see substantial investments in highways and rapid roads, we must wait for a more capable Prime Minister,” Konatar suggested.

As a reminder, the priority infrastructure projects in Montenegro include the Bar-Boljare highway, a rapid road along the Montenegrin coast, the Pljevlja-Bijelo Polje rapid road, and the Podgorica-Nikšić-Žabljak-Pljevlja rapid road.