Regional Balkans Infrastructure Study Transport - WBC-INCO Net

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Multi-modal transport is little developed in the region and constitutes less than
0.5% of total goods transport. It comprises almost solely land transport of maritime
containers to/from the ports.
There are several reasons for this situation: the traffic volumes on key routes
are exceptionally low and long distance transport flows are unbalanced since
they relate mainly to import of goods. There is no clear policy in the area, nor
any fiscal or other incentives which promote multi-modal transport. The organisational
framework is complex, and the roles of the parties are still unclear.
The existing terminal network links the major capitals of the region - except
Tirana - and offers a potential for combined transport. Although the facilities
and equipment require improvement, they do not, for the moment, constitute
any major obstacle to the development of multi-modal transport. In general, the
existing inter-modal terminals are largely under-utilised.
In the short term, large investments should be avoided in order to keep costs at
a competitive level. Focus should be on:
• The development of coherent policies which could include liberalisation of
combined transport operations, fiscal incentives in favour of combined
transport, exemption from tariff regulations, provision of credits for the
development of combined transport etc.
• The development of market strategies which will lead to a concentration of
traffic on a reduced network. In the short and medium term, the transit
market is the most promising one, given the strategic geographical position
of the region.
• Clarification of the roles and functions of the participants - including the
combined transport operators, the railways and the ports - and improving
relations between them.
Given the small size of the countries in the region and - in particular - the limited
potential for combined transport, it is important that the countries cooperate
closely within these areas.
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The Danube is the main inland waterway in the region. It constitutes the Pan-
European Corridor VII and connects Serbia and Croatia to Hungary, Slovakia,
Austria and Germany, on the one hand, and Romania, Bulgaria and the Black
Sea, on the other hand. Although traffic has fallen sharply over the past decade,
the river remains an essential transport link for Europe, particularly after the
construction of its link with the Rhine-Main. The main international ports are
Belgrade and Novi Sad.
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