The commencement of commercial operations for the Kotor-Lovćen cable car in the upcoming season, scheduled for next month, is now uncertain due to the government’s failure to meet its obligations outlined in the construction contract signed in December 2021 with the concessionaire consortium Novi Volvox & Leitner Italy.
According to the contract terms, the government was tasked with constructing public infrastructure, including electro-energetic facilities, and ensuring the concessionaire’s connection to the network by April 15, 2023. As this deadline was missed, the concessionaire agreed to the government’s request to undertake the majority of the infrastructure construction. Consequently, an infrastructure construction contract was signed on April 26, 2023, with the agreement that the government would purchase the infrastructure post-completion.
The concessionaire, as reported to Vijesti by Cable Car Kotor – Lovćen, has completed the construction of the Kuk 35/10 kV substation, the associated transmission line, obtained necessary permits, and fulfilled all contractual obligations. These works incurred a cost of around 3.8 million EUR, yet the state has not yet acquired the infrastructure.
This issue was recently discussed in a government session, prompting the Capital Projects Administration to set a one-month deadline for various tasks, including preparing a report on the construction supervision of access roads and parking infrastructure. Additionally, urgent measures were requested for the relocation of transmission line poles and facilitating the connection of the cable car to the power grid.
Regarding the fulfillment of state obligations, the executive director of Cable Car Kotor – Lovćen, Predrag Poček, emphasized the need for the government to meet its commitments for the project to proceed as planned. Despite intensified communication with state authorities, uncertainties remain about meeting agreed timelines.
CEDIS, the state energy company, highlighted that their obligations are contingent upon the completion of tasks by both the concessionaire and the government. Only after these conditions are met can CEDIS fulfill its obligations, including the purchase of infrastructure assets.
Efforts are underway to address outstanding tasks and ensure the cable car project progresses smoothly. However, uncertainties persist regarding the timely completion of all obligations, raising concerns about the cable car’s operational readiness for the upcoming season.
