Ambitious Infastructure Plans for Montenegro's Future

Developing its traffic infrastructure and energy efficiency will be factors in determining Montenegro’s status as a Tourism Powerhouse in the Baltic States – and the earlier that these can be planned and built, the better it will be. That, was essentially the message fr om Prime Minister Dritan Abazović in the latest meeting discussing Montenegro’s future on the world stage.

The ‘Draft Spatial Plan of Montenegro’ takes into consideration the need for further development especially in the North, whilst also meeting the demand from increased tourism, as well as looking after the country’s interests in UNESCO & in its environment, hence why the planned construction of a bridge on Veriga was put on hold, due to the potential of major problems with the City of Kotor.

Currently there are two main airports, Tivat and Podgorica, however two other airports at Niksic and Berane have been earmarked for development whilst another four airports are also in the planning phase, which would consist of smaller airfields at Bar, Ulcinj, Pljevla and Zabljak, mainly reserved for tourism based activities.

In terms of road infrastructure, parts of the new highway between Bar & Bojari have already opened and further work will be completed over the next few months & years, which will also include the Adriatic-Ionian route. Another highway (Kolasin to Pec) will also open Montenegro to new avenues and avoid some of the smaller roads which can become quite congested during the busy Summer season.

When it comes to Energy, a lot has been written recently about ‘Net Zero’ and Montenegro has been investing heavily in Windfarms with foreign investors keen to take advantage of the country’s geographical location. Montenegro’s plans are to become completely energy independent by 2030, with the construction of energy facilities. The goal is most importantly to protect the environment whilst also ensuring energy efficiency. Solar power and wind power will be key here.

A special mention was also given to the North of the Country wh ere improvements in Urban developments should help to increase tourism in the area, and stop the downward trend of people moving to the more affluent areas of the South. Sure, there will be limitations on construction and there will be environmental issues to take into account (the North has some of the best landscapes in Montenegro) however, development is needed if the country is to continue on its current growth trajectory.

19.10.2023