Hekurudha Shqiptare

Hekurudha Shqiptare or HSH (Albanian Railways) is the state-owned operator of the Albanian railway system and became a private company in 2005. The system's main passenger terminal was Durrës station, located in the port city of Durrës. HSH's infrastructure used to run east to Pogradec (up to Librazhd as of 2012), south to Vlorë and north to Shkodër. There was also a branch line to the capital Tirana (up to Kashar, 10 km or 6.2 mi away as of 2015). The network was extended beyond Shkodër in the 1980s into what is now Montenegro, via the Albanian border town of Hani i Hotit. But this section of the system is for freight only. There is also no physical rail connection between Albania and neighbouring Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Greece. The HSH network was entirely unelectrified, and trains were hauled by Czechoslovak T-669 diesel-electric locomotives. The system was single-track throughout, with passing loops at various points. Second-hand passenger rolling stock from Germany's DB and former DR, Italy's FS, Austria's ÖBB, and Poland's PKP was used. Trains suffered internal and external damage from vandalism, including the stoning of locomotives and carriages. Further problems arose from landslide damage to sections of the track or because lengths of rail were stolen for iron scrap. The system is barely surviving with an Elbasan–Durrës train and a Shkodër–Laç train, although rehabilitation is currently underway on the Durrës–Tiranë railway, with other projects in various stages of planning. The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy also focused on two other important projects, such as Vora-Hani i Hotit line, and the Durës-Rrogozhinë line as part of the VIII Corridor project, projects that will be implemented thanks to the support of the European Union. Network rehabilitation Tirana–Rinas–Durres line Construction work to upgrade the Durrës–Tiranë line and to link it with Rinas Airport with electric-powered trains started in 2021 with a loan from EBRD. Works are expected to finish in 2027. From Tirana station to the Tirana International Airport, the travel time is expected to be reduced to 12 minutes, with three stops, while Tirana-Durrës is estimated at 22 minutes, with eight stops. Durrës–Rrogozhina line modernization The Government of Albania and the European Investment Bank have signed an agreement for a EU financial package of EUR 90.5 million for the reconstruction of Durrës – Rrogozhina railway. An agreement was signed on April 8, 2025, during High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas’ official visit to Albania. Vorë–Hani i Hotit line modernization Reconstruction works on the Vorë–Hani i Hotit railway line, Albania’s only international rail connection, are being carried out to modernise and electrify the 120 km of track between Vorë and the Montenegrin border, enabling passenger trains to operate at speeds of up to 100 km/h and significantly improving freight transport. With an estimated investment of €356 million, the rehabilitation forms part of the Western Balkans Economic and Investment Plan and represents an indicative extension of the Mediterranean TEN-T Core Network into the region. The works include track upgrades, electrification, the renovation of 12 stations, and the construction of a new freight station at Lezhë 2, alongside safety measures such as secured level crossings and service roads. The project is co-financed by EU grants through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, together with loans from the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Proposed Pristina–Durrës line Approval was given by the Albanian and Kosovo governments in 2021 to a feasibility study of a Pristina–Durrës route to be undertaken in 2023. The initial findings are now being developed into a full plan for the track. Passenger services In 2015, some rail stations and rolling stock along the Durres-Tirane line were renovated and adopted a red and white livery. The scenic Librazhd-Pogradec line was closed for passenger traffic in 2012. The stored locomotives and carriages from Prrenjas are being moved to Elbasan. As a result, this section may be dismantled, as it doesn't link any major cities. There are several freight-only branch lines. Occasional freight trains may run between Podgorica and Shkodër and between Durrës and the oil refinery at Ballsh. The Tirana-Shkodër line is closed, except for the Durrës Elbasan train and a section between Shkodër and Lac. System map Rolling stock Locomotives Carriages See also History of rail transport in Albania Rail transport in Albania Transport in Albania List of European railways References and notes External links Official website of HSH Official HSH Trains Timetable, 2015 HSH System Map and Timetable as of 2011 Albrail Official Site (operator of Fier-Vlorë railway line) Site dedicated to HSH (in Albanian) A 2019 documentary by Deutsche Welle about the Albanian railway - Albania's last trains on YouTube