Montenegro’s draft updated transport strategy estimates that covering all costs in the sector through 2035 could require up to 3.0 billion euros. The Ministry of Transport gave the estimate and consultation outcomes as it revised measures in the plan, including by separating airport management models from infrastructure development needs.
The ministry held public consultation on the draft of the 2019–2035 strategy from 7 September to 2 October. The updated draft sets a framework for the country’s transport sector over the next decade, covering roads, railways, ports and other infrastructure projects, as well as network modernisation, safety, efficiency and alignment with European Union standards.
Funding and airport planning
The ministry described the 3.0 billion euros as a moderate projection, based on historical spending and potential funding available through 2035. It covers all types of expenditure solely in the transport sector, but does not reflect any particular level of implementation.
Funding availability from European Union funds and international financial institutions is the main source of uncertainty in the projection, the ministry said. The eventual amount could depend on investment levels and the funds available from the EU, so the estimate does not establish how much of the strategy will be carried out.
Linerk Montenegro Center, which took part in the consultation, proposed that the final strategy show a clear link between the three-billion-euro financial framework, spending plans and implementation of measures. The ministry partially accepted the proposal.
The Civil Aviation Agency raised questions about the management and infrastructure development of Tivat and Podgorica airports. After the process to grant the airports concessions was cancelled, the agency proposed separating their management model from decisions on infrastructure needs, so a concession would not be a prerequisite for development or delay modernisation and capacity expansion.
The ministry accepted that proposal and revised the text and measures to reflect the latest developments concerning the possibility of concessions. Updates to the master plans for Tivat and Podgorica airports are expected to identify and prioritise their infrastructure needs.
Defence, electric vehicles and school access
The Ministry of Defence proposed including Nikšić Airport, roads considered important for defence and the military anchorage at the Port of Bar. The ministry accepted the proposals, adding a diagnostic analysis of Nikšić Airport and defence-related roads to the strategy.
Nikšić Airport has a half-kilometre runway. The Ministry of Defence said it could accommodate smaller aircraft, military transport aircraft from foreign armed forces, civilian sports aircraft or civil general aviation. The transport ministry also accepted the defence ministry’s request to include reconstruction of the Port of Bar’s military anchorage, noting that the measure forms part of a broader programme of interventions at the site.
The Montenegrin Electricity Market Operator (COTEE) proposed a separate chapter on electric-vehicle charging infrastructure. The ministry partially accepted the proposed measure, but rejected a standalone Green Initiative chapter and new measure codes, saying these would exceed the scope of the strategy update.
A national policy framework for alternative-fuels infrastructure was still awaiting adoption, and an implementation roadmap had not yet been prepared. The ministry therefore considered including such an initiative at this stage premature. The updated strategy report retains seven chapters and an integrated framework of measures.
Environmental non-governmental organisation EkoSan CG proposed local sustainable-access programmes for schools. Its proposals included walking, safe cycling, managing pupil drop-off and pick-up, reducing unnecessary short car journeys and preventing vehicles from idling near school entrances; the ministry accepted the proposal.
Montenegro has developed and adopted a regulation on school zones based on Safe to School guidelines prepared by the Transport Community Secretariat (TCT), the ministry said.
