- Durrës–Tiranë railway
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Durrës–Tiranë railway 
Tirana Rail StationOverview Type Commuter rail Termini Durrës
TiranëStations 6 (3 in use) Operation Opened 27 January 1949 Technical Line length 38 km (23.61 mi) Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Standard gauge Operating speed 41 mph (66 km/h) The Durrës–Tiranë railway is a 38 km railway line which joins the two biggest cities in Albania: Durrës and Tirana. The line connects to the Shkodër–Vorë railway halfway in Vorë, and to the Durrës-Vlorë railway in Durrës. The railway was built during 1948-1949 based exclusively on work of volunteers and was the second passenger railway in Albania after the Durrës-Peqin railway which had been completed a year earlier. It is operated by Hekurudha Shqiptare.
Contents
History
The railway is 38 km long and connects the two most important cities of Albania, Durrës and Tirana. It was built during 1948-1949 and was the second standard gauge passenger railway in Albania after that of Durrës-Peqin, which had started in 1940, and was completed in 1948.[1]
The works started from the Shkozet station (near Durrës) on April 11, 1948. Overall 29,000 young people and 1400 qualified technicians from all Albania participated to the building of the railway. In addition, young volunteers sent from the Youth sections of the Communist parties of Bulgaria and Yugoslavia participated in the construction. During the Albanian-Yugoslavian split in 1948 the Yugoslavian volunteers were accused of sabotage, especially the engineers. The works continued under the supervision of Soviet engineer Valeri Gaydarov. Rails were imported from the Soviet Union through the port of Durrës. The volunteering brigades had as a goal to finish the railway by the 31st anniversary of the Red Army, on 23 February 1949, and the goal was successfully achieved.[1]
Two of the most important works during construction were the Rrashbull Tunnel (212 m) and the Erzen Bridge (91 m long). The bridge was finished on October 16, 1948, the 40th birthday of then Prime Minister, Enver Hoxha. The tunnel was dug by the Bulgarian youth group Georgi Dimitrov, which was eventually given the Flag of the Brigades award (Albanian: Flamuri i Brigadave).[1] The brigade of the Albanian Police was instead awarded five times the Attacking Award (Albanian: Sulmues).[1] The inauguration was made by future would be Politburo member Spiro Koleka.[1]
In 2003 Fatos Nano, then prime minister of Albania, signed a contract worth $95m with General Electric to modernize the stretch of railway by electrifying it and also by building an 8 km spur to link the Rinas airport to Tirana.[2] Deemed far too expensive, the contract was canceled by the incoming government of Sali Berisha, and became the subject of a litigation. In March 2010 a US court ordered the Albanian government to pay $20.6m in compensation to General Electric and, in May 2010, the Albanian authorities announced they would sue the minister of transport on the charge of abuse of power.[2]
2010 Accident
An accident occurred on the railway on July 25, 2010. A police SUV was on the rail and the train could not avoid the collision with it. As a result the police car was pushed for a certain distance until the train went to a complete stop. Not only were the three Albanian policemen not injured, but they also went to argue with the machinist to accuse him that he had to stop earlier and pay more attention.[3]
Future
Tirana station upgrade
Tirana rail station will be upgraded and moved from its original position. This will enable additional trains to terminate there, instead of its current position. The new station will also improve the terminating capacity of the station.
Stations
Durrës–Tiranë railway Legend
0.0 Durrës 
from Durrës Port 
to Vlorë 
Sukth 
32.2 Vorë 
Line to Shkodër Kashar Kamëz 
42.2 Tirana Station Image Opened Additional information Durrës Sukth Summer only Vorë Kashar Summer only Kamëz Summer only Tirana 27 January 1949 Timetable
During tourist season an extra train engine is used to ensure a good connection between Tirana and Durrës.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e Gjika, Alqi (2009). "Hekurudha Shqiptare "Si u ndertua ne menyre vullnetare"" (in Albanian). http://www.t669.net/hekurudha_shqiptare.html. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
- ^ a b Metropol (18/05/2010). "Treni elektrik, Olldashi padit Spartak Poçin" (in Albanian). Metropol. http://www.gazetametropol.com/tekst.php?idt=65794. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
- ^ Gazeta Shqip. "Treni i linjës Durrës-Tiranë përplas fuoristradën e policisë" (in Albanian). http://lajme.shqiperia.com/lajme/artikull/iden/1046902559/titulli/Treni-i-linjes-Durres-Tirane-perplas-fuoristraden-e-policise. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
Sources
Further reading
Categories:- Railway lines in Albania
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