Vukićević: Montenegro will fly to more than 130 destinations, Air Montenegro to lease an additional aircraft
At a time when Montenegro is recording strong growth in transport traffic, but also facing increasingly pronounced infrastructure challenges, issues related to the development of roads, airports, railways, and the national airline are at the very top of public interest. From the operations of ToMontenegro, new air destinations, and the arrival of new trains, to the construction of the second section of the motorway and the Budva bypass, as well as daily traffic jams in Podgorica - citizens are seeking concrete answers, deadlines, and solutions.
The Minister of Transport, Maja Vukićević, in an interview for Portal ETV speaks about achieved results, the reasons for delays in certain projects, plans for the upcoming period, and the challenges facing the transport sector.
ToMontenegro records positive results and stable operations
ETV Portal: How do you assess the work and business results of the airline ToMontenegro? Are you satisfied with the current management of this state-owned company?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: I assess the operations of ToMontenegro in the previous period as very successful. The company served more than 500.000 passengers and achieved a positive financial result, which is particularly significant considering the fact that it operated at a loss in July 2024.
This shows that the measures taken, as well as the manner in which the company is managed, have delivered concrete and measurable results. I believe it was the right decision for the Board of Directors and the Ministry of Transport to support Vukadin Stojanović as the company’s CEO, despite opinions that the national airline should be led by foreign management. The results we have today confirm that knowledge, responsibility, and dedication exist within the system itself.
Second motorway section: a complex process in line with international standards
ETV Portal: Why, despite repeated announcements, did construction of the second motorway section not begin this year? When will construction actually start?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: Monteput, as is known, is responsible for conducting the tender, which is implemented in close cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Given that each individual phase of the tender must receive EBRD approval, the process is necessarily complex and more time-consuming, but such a framework guarantees full compliance with international rules and the highest transparency standards.
The pace of the process was influenced by objective and justified reasons. First of all, the route was modified to avoid a large number of residential and other buildings, thereby preventing additional costs, expropriations, and potential legal disputes. At the same time, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was prepared, as one of the key prerequisites for obtaining international financial support.
It was also necessary to wait for the formal approval of funds by the European Commission and the EBRD, which involved detailed technical, financial, and procedural checks. Thanks to this process, Montenegro secured significant grant funding, which represents a major long-term benefit for the state and its citizens.
I expect that in the coming days, after receiving final approval from the EBRD, the final ranking list of bidders will be published. I would like to emphasize that colleagues from the Ministry of Transport and Monteput worked intensively to meet all obligations and create the conditions for the approval of funds.
New trains: 30 million euros secured
ETV Portal: When will the announced new trains arrive in Montenegro, and how much will they cost?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: Montenegro has secured 30 million euros from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the procurement of new trains. The first phase of the tender has been completed, and in the second phase the bidders will specify delivery deadlines, which are crucial for defining the final timeline.
The procurement of new trains is a process that takes time, but the most important thing is that the procedure has begun, thanks to the strong engagement of colleagues from the Railway Transport Company of Montenegro (ŽPCG). The Ministry of Transport, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, has provided support to railway companies in line with the legal framework, in order to maintain and improve the existing rolling stock until the arrival of new trains.
Airports preparing for a record season
ETV Portal: Airports must prepare for spring and new flights by the low-cost airline Wizz Air. Will the Government approve funds for new hangars? What would such support mean, and what would be the specific amount?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: Airports of Montenegro have their own funds that will be directed towards expanding capacity and preparing for the upcoming season. The Ministry of Transport provides full logistical and institutional support, and cooperation is at a very high level.
When it comes to hangars, the transport sector would support such a solution, but only after legal and property issues clearly confirm that such an investment is possible and justified. The purchase of the company Vektra Aviation, which has been the subject of speculation, is unacceptable for the Ministry of Transport. We are confident that we will handle the upcoming season responsibly.
More than 130 destinations - an infrastructure challenge
ETV Portal: Can certain airport capacity expansions be implemented quickly in order to be at least partially ready for a significantly higher number of flights and rotations from Podgorica starting in spring?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: The preparation plan for the upcoming season has already been defined. We expect more than 70 destinations from Podgorica and over 60 from Tivat, which will make the season extremely challenging. We are aware of infrastructure limitations, but improving Montenegro’s air connectivity is a clear priority.
However, some things require patience - years of insufficient investment cannot be compensated for in a short period of time. What matters is that work is now being done in a planned, responsible, and continuous manner.
Budva bypass - a key project for the south
ETV Portal: When will construction of the Budva bypass begin?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: This project represents a logical continuation of the Tivat-Jaz boulevard, creating continuity in the modernization of coastal road infrastructure.
The bypass is planned as part of the express road along the Montenegrin coast. This road, together with the Bar-Boljare motorway, has been identified as a priority project in the field of road infrastructure, as it is not only part of the Trans-European Transport Network but also a key element for improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
A tender for the selection of the contractor has been launched, and the project implementation period is 48 months, including the preparation of the main design and construction works. The tender is being conducted by Monteput, and we expect the contractor to be selected soon.
This is a project of exceptional importance, which will significantly relieve traffic pressure in southern Montenegro and improve traffic safety and flow.
Infrastructure across the country: projects under implementation and in preparation
The Ministry is currently implementing several important projects, all of which are of particular significance for improving transport infrastructure. Works are underway in all parts of the country on the following road sections:
Rehabilitation of the „Sokolovina“ landslide - a critical point on the regional road Đurđevića Tara - Mojkovac
Construction of the road interchange „Veruša“ - Lopate
Construction of the road Bar - Kamenički Most - Krute
Reconstruction of the road Jasenovo Polje - Zaborje
Reconstruction of the road Petnjica - Bioče
Reconstruction of Vojisavljevića Street and construction of a boulevard
Reconstruction of the Tivat - Jaz road and construction of a boulevard
Reconstruction of the Đurđevića Tara Bridge
Rehabilitation of the regional road Čevo - Bijele Poljane, section Čevo - Ubli
Reconstruction of the Kruče Bridge
As for projects scheduled to begin next year, contracts have currently been signed for three projects, whose implementation will start in the first half of next year:
Reconstruction of the Dobrakovo - Bijelo Polje road
Reconstruction of the regional road Vladimir - Ostros
Reconstruction of the Pljevlja - Đajevića Han road
In addition, procedures are underway for the selection of contractors for nine more projects:
Construction of the Western Bypass
Reconstruction of the Donji Ulići - Rijeka Crnojevića road
Reconstruction of the Berane - Rožaje road
Construction of the Mateševo - Andrijevica motorway
Construction of the Budva bypass
Construction of the bridge at Šćepan Polje
Construction of a bridge over the Tara River near Mojkovac
Construction of a bridge over the Morača River - continuation of the Vojisavljevića Boulevard
Construction of the Dinoša - Cijevna - Zatrijebačka connection to the Podgorica - Tuzi boulevard
All of the listed projects will begin this year.
Strengthening the fleet, strictly within the legal framework
ETV Portal: Does the national airline plan to purchase a new aircraft? Does the state intend to support this, and in what amount?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: The national airline plans to strengthen its fleet in the coming years. As for state support, it will be provided exclusively within the limits of the law, taking into account strict state aid rules, especially considering the problems related to this issue in the past. It is also highly likely that, in the near future, one aircraft will be leased, which will significantly contribute to the company’s operational results.
Traffic jams in Podgorica require coordination with the Capital City
ETV Portal: Podgorica is facing traffic jams. Do you have a solution to this problem - a vision and a concrete way to resolve it?
VUKIĆEVIĆ: Problems related to traffic congestion in the urban core of Podgorica primarily fall under the jurisdiction of local government. Through the planned construction of bypasses and improvements to road infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport seeks to contribute to traffic relief and better connectivity, but a lasting solution can only be achieved through coordination with the Capital City.