Construction has restarted on the cable car system serving Đalovića Cave located near Bijelo Polje, marking a significant step forward for one of the key tourism initiatives in northern Montenegro. This project had previously faced delays due to environmental and construction-related issues.
The cable car will link Podvrh Monastery with the cave’s entrance, spanning approximately 1.7 kilometres across challenging terrain above the Đalovića Gorge. The main contractor for the project is Italy’s Leitner, with Novi Volvoks providing subcontracting services.
The installation will feature two eight-seat gondolas, with an estimated travel time of around six minutes. Current efforts are focused on completing the technically complex seventh tower and constructing an access road necessary for transporting structural materials.
The Ministry of Public Works anticipates that the construction will be finalized by the end of summer, potentially allowing for an autumn opening. However, this schedule is contingent upon successful testing, certification, adherence to environmental standards, and completion of visitor infrastructure.
Work on the project had been halted at the close of 2021 due to identified irregularities within a protected area. The resumption of construction followed compliance with additional environmental stipulations. This situation underscores the necessity of integrating environmental considerations and construction standards into tourism infrastructure development from the outset.
The Đalovića Cave project has the potential to diversify Montenegro’s tourism offerings beyond its coastal regions, generating economic activity in Bijelo Polje and adjacent northern areas. The local economic impact could extend to sectors such as accommodation, dining, transport, guiding services, and rural tourism.
The financial success of the cable car will hinge on various factors including annual visitor numbers, ticket pricing strategies, operational expenses, and the length of the accessible season. A cable car alone cannot establish a tourist destination; effective road access, parking facilities, visitor management systems, safety protocols, cave preservation efforts, and local accommodation must all function cohesively as part of a comprehensive tourism strategy.
The successful completion of this project would illustrate Montenegro’s capacity to advance delayed capital investments while addressing environmental challenges. Its long-term sustainability will rely on managing visitor numbers to safeguard the natural resources that underpin its business model.
