The development of Đalovića Cave in northern Montenegro has seen its estimated costs rise to approximately €32 million, nearly triple the initial projection of €12.2 million in 2017. This increase underscores significant issues in the planning and execution of public capital projects.
To date, around €27 million of works have been contracted, with nearly €21 million spent between 2014 and the end of 2025. Despite these expenditures, the tourism complex remains incomplete.
The project encompasses various components, including access roads, electricity infrastructure, visitor facilities, internal cave works, and a cable-car system. The cable car alone is estimated to cost about €3.9 million, yet its development has faced delays due to unresolved infrastructure and land-access concerns.
Additional setbacks have arisen from environmental restrictions, issues with water supply, and instability affecting the access road. In the first half of 2026, a further €1.5 million was spent; however, a definitive completion date has not been established.
This initiative aimed to establish one of the largest new tourism attractions in northern Montenegro and stimulate growth around Bijelo Polje. Instead, its extended timeline highlights the consequences of poor coordination among planning, infrastructure, and environmental approvals, which can significantly escalate public project costs.
The financial implications extend beyond construction expenses, as delays hinder anticipated tourism revenue, private investments, and job creation that were expected upon completion. For contractors and financiers involved with Đalovića Cave, this situation reflects broader challenges within Montenegro’s capital program: substantial allocations do not guarantee timely delivery of economic assets.
As Montenegro anticipates larger investments in transport, energy, and environmental sectors, effective project preparation and sequencing will be crucial. The experience with Đalovića Cave serves as a reminder that inadequate planning can transform relatively small regional development projects into enduring fiscal burdens.
