Epirus - Gjirokastra railway connection | The restart of the project is on the table for discussion

The prospect of the railway connection between Igoumenitsa, Ioannina and Gjirokastra is gaining new momentum, as the Working Group for the Tourism Development and Promotion of the Prefecture of Ioannina proposes updating the relevant study, highlighting the strategic importance of the project.

The study is based on a 2016 European program and concerns a railway line approximately 73 kilometers long, with two main tunnels with a total length of 10.3 kilometers. The design envisaged the connection of the port and the Industrial Park of Igoumenitsa with Ioannina, the University and the Airport and then, via Kakavia, with Gjirokastra.

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Almost a decade later, the picture in the wider region has changed significantly. The upgrading of the port of Igoumenitsa, the development of road axes and energy developments in the Ionian Sea create new data and make it timely to review the original plan.

The update is called upon to examine the project based on current transport needs, cost, technical and economic viability, as well as financing possibilities. The design envisages a multimodal corridor that will be able to serve both passenger and freight transport as well as tourist traffic.

The prospect of a connection with gjirokastra is Of Particular importance. the creation of a modern railway infrastructure could facilitate travel to the region and the communities of The Greek National minority, while at the same time creating new opportunities for trade, tourism and cross-border transport.

The long-term prospect of connecting Epirus to the national railway network via Kalambaka is also on the table. In this way, the line to Gjirokastra could be integrated into a broader transport plan, with Epirus gaining access to the Greek railway network.

The next phase requires coordination with the Albanian side, examination of the necessary infrastructure towards Gjirokastra, and investigation of available national and European financial tools.

Updating the study can thus be the essential step to move a plan that has remained on paper for years into a new period of maturation, with significant prospects for Epirus and Gjirokastra.