Third Tender Launched for Crucial Podgorica Bypass
Montenegro's transport administration has initiated its third tender for the construction of the western section of the Podgorica bypass motorway, valued at an estimated 20.3 million euro. The announcement, made on Thursday, October 3, 2025, invites interested bidders to submit their offers by November 3, 2025. The project aims to construct a 3 km-long four-lane road, including three intersections and a roundabout, connecting Komanski Bridge to the Donja Gorica boulevard roundabout in Podgorica. The contractor will be expected to complete the works within 550 calendar days or 18 months from the start date.
History of Cancellations and Bidder Disqualifications
This latest tender follows two unsuccessful attempts to secure a contractor for the vital infrastructure project. The initial tender, launched in October 2024, was awarded to a consortium led by Bemax. However, this procedure was cancelled in February 2025 after Briv Construction filed a complaint, citing a 'lack of access to the complete tender documentation'.
A second tender was subsequently opened in March 2025. This attempt also faced significant hurdles, leading to its cancellation in June 2025. All three bidders—a consortium led by Podgorica-based Euromont Stil, local construction firm Bemax, and Kotor-based Briv Construction—were disqualified. The transport administration stated that Briv Construction's offer was deemed invalid for marking technical expertise documents as confidential, which was not permitted by tender rules. Similarly, Bemax's bid was rejected due to an 'incorrectly labeled guarantee'.
Project Significance and Broader Infrastructure Goals
The western bypass is considered a priority infrastructure project for the capital city, designed to facilitate smoother transit around Podgorica and alleviate congestion, particularly along Vojislavljevića Street. The project is part of Montenegro's broader commitment to developing its road network, with plans to build approximately 500 kilometers of highways and expressways. This extensive infrastructure development is intended to improve transport links, enhance the country's attractiveness, and stimulate economic growth. The government, through entities like the Traffic Administration and Monteput, is actively working to prepare for these ambitious construction initiatives, aiming to transform Montenegro's connectivity.
8 Comments
Africa
It's positive that Montenegro is investing in infrastructure, but the continuous disqualifications of bidders suggest there might be issues with tender clarity or compliance from local firms.
Habibi
Glad to see the project moving forward, but the details about 'incorrectly labeled guarantees' and 'confidential documents' highlight a lack of clear communication or understanding between the administration and bidders.
ZmeeLove
The need for this bypass is clear for Podgorica's development, yet the history of failed tenders raises concerns about project management and transparency, potentially leading to higher costs.
Muchacho
Third tender? This is a joke! Pure incompetence and waste of public funds.
Raphael
While the bypass is undoubtedly necessary to ease city traffic, the repeated tender cancellations point to significant administrative problems that need addressing.
dedus mopedus
Disqualifying all bidders twice? This project is doomed to fail before it even starts.
lettlelenok
This connectivity is essential for the future. Good job restarting the tender.
Leonardo
Another tender, another opportunity for delays and cost overruns. So frustrating.