Montenegro has reached a significant agreement with Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler for the procurement of three four-car FLIRT electric trains, representing a key step in the country’s railway modernization efforts. This initiative aims to enhance rail transport as part of the national mobility and tourism strategy.
The contract, valued at approximately EUR 30 million, was finalized between the state railway operator Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore (ŽPCG) and Stadler, with financing provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
This acquisition marks the introduction of Stadler rolling stock into Montenegro, aligning the country with a growing network of FLIRT operators in Central and Southeast Europe, including neighboring Serbia and Slovenia. The new trains will mirror those currently in use in Serbia, facilitating modern cross-border electric multiple-unit operations.
The interoperability of these trains is expected to enhance passenger experience while reflecting a broader trend towards rail integration and infrastructure standardization within the Western Balkans. This shift is part of efforts by governments to align their transport systems with European Union mobility standards.
Each FLIRT trainset will feature around 244 seats, operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, and include modern amenities such as air conditioning, digital passenger information displays, video surveillance, bicycle storage, and accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility.
ŽPCG anticipates that the trains will be delivered within three years, although officials hope for an earlier deployment. This procurement aligns with a strategic pivot in Montenegro’s transport policy aimed at addressing historical underinvestment in railways compared to road infrastructure.
Despite having one of Europe’s highest railway electrification rates relative to its network size—over 90%—Montenegro’s rolling stock remains outdated and energy inefficient. The new FLIRT fleet is intended to replace older locomotive-hauled passenger trains currently in operation. The EBRD has indicated that this project could lead to a projected 53% reduction in CO₂ emissions from 2026 to 2037.
The environmental considerations are increasingly relevant as Montenegro seeks to meet EU climate and decarbonization goals. Rail modernization presents significant opportunities for reducing emissions while enhancing tourism mobility and regional connectivity.
Upgrading the railway system holds strategic importance for Montenegro’s tourism sector, particularly as the Adriatic coastline faces seasonal congestion and infrastructure strain during peak summer months. Improved rail services could support both domestic travel and tourist flows between the coast and Serbia, as well as other regional transit routes.
The Bar–Belgrade railway corridor is a crucial transport route in the Western Balkans but has suffered from aging infrastructure and slow travel times. Recent discussions have highlighted its potential role in EU connectivity initiatives aimed at modernizing cross-border transport.
The decision to procure FLIRT trains signifies Montenegro’s commitment to transforming its rail system into a more integral component of a European-style public mobility framework rather than merely relying on legacy infrastructure.
Stadler’s selection is noteworthy as the company has established itself as a leading supplier of regional and intercity electric multiple units across Europe. With this order, Montenegro becomes the 50th country globally to adopt Stadler technology.
This project underscores the ongoing role of multilateral financing institutions like the EBRD in supporting Montenegro’s infrastructure development, especially in areas focused on sustainability and regional integration aligned with EU objectives.
The modernization initiative coincides with broader investments across various sectors, including roads, ports, airports, and digital infrastructure. Transport upgrades are increasingly viewed as part of an economic strategy aimed at improving tourism resilience and logistics connectivity while supporting EU accession efforts.
However, challenges remain regarding railway modernization. Addressing issues related to infrastructure speed limitations, tunnel upgrades, signaling systems, and long-term maintenance financing will be essential for making rail transport more competitive against road alternatives. Despite these challenges, the Stadler agreement indicates a marked shift towards prioritizing rail infrastructure in Montenegro’s long-term mobility planning.
