Montenegro Railway
The partnership between Railway Transport of Montenegro and Stadler introduces a new generation of trains, strengthens regional connectivity, and reaffirms Montenegro’s commitment to sustainable mobility and European infrastructure standards
With the signing of the contract b etwe en Stadler and Railway Transport of Montenegro (ŽPCG) to procure three state-of-the-art four-car FLIRT electric multiple units, Montenegro has taken one of the most significant steps in the modernisation of its railway system in recent decades. The project, valued at 30 million euros and supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), strongly reaffirms the country’s European orientation and its commitment to sustainable mobility, modern infrastructure and regional connectivity. The new vehicles will be based on Stadler’s proven FLIRT platform, which is in service across Europe and is widely regarded as one of the most successful solutions for regional and suburban rail transport. Of particular significance is that the trains for Montenegro will be largely compatible with the units already in service with Serbian Railways, thereby, for the first time, enabling modern electric cross-border rail services between the two neighbouring countries.
THE PROJECT IN NUMBERS
• Investment value: 30 million euros
• Financial support: EBRD
• Number of new trains: 3 Stadler FLIRT electric multiple units
• Maximum speed: 160 km/h
• Capacity: 244 seats per train
• Fully low-floor access for persons with reduced mobility
• Delivery deadline: up to 36 months
• Modern air conditioning, video surveillance and passenger information systems
AN INVESTMENT IN A EUROPEAN FUTURE
The Executive Director of ŽPCG, Dragana Lukšić, described the signing of the contract as a historic moment for Montenegrin railways. As she emphasised, selecting a renowned manufacturer whose vehicles operate successfully in Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and Serbia guarantees high quality, long-term reliability and more efficient maintenance.
WHY IS THIS CONTRACT IMPORTANT?
• The most significant modernisation of ŽPCG’s rolling stock in recent decades
• Montenegro becomes the 50th country in the world in which Stadler trains operate
• Enables modern electric cross-border rail services with Serbia
• Strengthens regional connectivity and European transport integration
• Contributes to reducing operating costs through the standardised FLIRT platform
• Supports the objectives of sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility
• Enhances the quality of service for citizens and tourists
• Represents an important step towards aligning Montenegrin railways with European standards
“The new Stadler trains will provide passengers with a higher level of comfort, safety and reliability, while also increasing the attractiveness of rail travel for citizens and tourists. Montenegro is thereby taking an important step towards a modern European railway,” said Lukšić.
On the Swiss side, Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing and Deputy CEO of Stadler, expressed satisfaction that Montenegro is becoming the 50th country where the company’s trains will operate. “Our vehicles today connect communities across five continents and symbolise reliability, innovation and sustainable mobility. This project marks an important new milestone for Stadler and confirms the growing significance of modern railway solutions in South-East Europe,” Brockmeyer emphasised.
A SYMBOL OF REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
In the words of Željko Davidović, the new trains will be more than a means of transport, serving as a symbol of modernisation, European integration and regional cooperation. “This investment represents tangible evidence of progress and a shared vision for the development of sustainable mobility in the Western Balkans,” Davidović noted, thanking the Government of Montenegro, the EBRD and all partners involved in the realisation of the project.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE SERVICE OF PASSENGERS
The new electric multiple units are designed for a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour, enabling more efficient use of the existing infrastructure and improving the quality of rail services. Each train will have 244 seats, with additional standing room and space for bicycles and luggage, thereby meeting the needs of modern passengers and growing tourist traffic.
The fully low-floor design will ensure unimpeded access for people with reduced mobility, while modern air conditioning, video surveillance, digital passenger information and advanced safety systems will significantly enhance the user experience. Particular attention has been paid to energy efficiency and sustainability, in line with European objectives for transport decarbonisation and the promotion of environmentally friendly modes of mobility.
PART OF THE EUROPEAN RAILWAY FAMILY
The FLIRT platform is now present in numerous European countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and Serbia. Its widespread deployment confirms that it is a standardised, technically proven solution that meets the highest European standards.
Delivery of the trains is planned within 36 months, with the possibility of earlier completion owing to the platform already being developed and homologated. Additional value is provided by the well-established service network and the availability of spare parts across Europe, which will enable lower operating costs and greater availability of the trains throughout their service life.
RAILWAYS AS A DRIVER OF DEVELOPMENT
At a time when European countries are investing heavily in railway infrastructure as a key to sustainable development, Montenegro is confirming, through this project, its readiness to follow modern mobility trends. The procurement of new Stadler FLIRT trains is not merely an investment in rolling stock but an investment in better connectivity for citizens, the development of tourism, regional integration and the strengthening of the country’s European perspective.
With a new generation of trains on its tracks, Montenegro is sending a clear message that the future of its transport depends on modern, efficient and sustainable solutions – fully aligned with European standards and ambitions.