Montenegro's Road to Nowhere: The Chinese Built Highway that Nearly Bankrupted a Nation

[@megaprojects9649]

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to keeps.com/MEGAPROJECTS to get a special offer.

[@AdamGoodman4U]

can you do a series entitled "Mega Cock Ups",

[@Code6Bravo]

please do a video of the great depression. the cause, secioetal trauma, and impact on the current day.

[@sekaramochi]

Montenegro building roads please please please stop Simon please please please never stop ♥️

[@jaredfontaine2002]

I take that road all the time! Super cool! No traffic jams stunning views etc

[@kilianhufgard1035]

hey so you know how you did the bigboy steam engine can you please do the allegheny class they are actually more powerful then the big boys please at least research them

[@pathfinder2reality]

However expensive, this road is a MUST HAVE for Montenegro. They based their development on tourism and fast, good roads are essential for that. Serbia is already building a highway to Montenegrin border, and when Montenegro finished its part, they will have good connection to mainland Europe. Another essential thing is rebuilding Belgrade - Bar railway. It will not only further connect Montenegro to Europe, but would allow them to revive port of Bar for cargo transport.

[@Ines-uw5gi]

Milo Djukanovic does not seam as a reckless man, he had to have valid and justified reasons for such project. As a neighbor I really hope this video is exaggerating. Pozdrav iz Hrvatske!

[@BIT-cp2ki]

​@@Ines-uw5gilol i would be ashamed of saying that for a criminal such as him.

[@MultiTrumpetman]

​@@Ines-uw5githis highway is 50 late. But is never too late and faster it will finish better because the money will be return faster.

[@ivalorenanikolic9507]

HAIR SHAMPOO SPONSORED YOU TO BLAST OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY !? SO MUCH disinformation SO MANY LIES ! Come to see for yourself how people here live , no homeless , perfect climate , everyone can afford decent living / car/ school/ health care . Healthy and happy people . We do need more infrastructure and no road leads to nowhere you piece of false “journalist”!

[@perakojotgenije]

​@@Ines-uw5gi😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@markoozy]

As a montenegrian, i must clarify couple things about ourselves: First of all, we are not the poorest country in region, however if comparing our national bptu with surrounding countries it is a smallest because of barely 650000 in total population. Comparing to Serbia 9000000, croatia 5000000 for example. About freeway it self, it’s a part of newly constructed freeway(still not completed) belgrade-bar. Serbian side is completed from belgrade to uzice(think this summer will be completed until preljina). Free way will meet on boljare(boarder between serbia and mne). Eventually once everything is completed, trip from capitals belgrade-Podgorica, will be reduced to 4 hours, instead of current good 8,9 hours trip. Mne government decided to build most difficult part first, to avoid canyon Moraca, which unfortunately took so many lives in past 65 years, road through canyon doesn’t make forgiveness, small mistake/overlook and you are gonne. As far as we are notified, remaining part from matesevo till andrijevica will start work on 2025. And scheduled to be completed in 3/4 years period. Now, europe union doesn’t pay our credit back, our government replaced china’s bank with Europe bank, and it’s all done so that eu protects its own interests in this part of Europe, because Port of Bar, is strategically perfect location for Chinese to have its own private port at the door of eu. I think, don’t claim, that Chinese wanted to build whole freeway for free in favour to have control over freeway and port of Bar in period of 30/40 years. So even if this guy here is sarcastic about everything and a bit arrogant, he basically completely failed to do a proper research about subject that he made videos about. The only truth in this video is that government is definitely corrupt, no matter which politician is on power, because they are all same greedy son of the b…..s. Cheers

[@piskota2488]

Ma pusti ga vidis da pod temperaturom video pravi

[@lolicon4]

you're just a hater

[@riverlady982]

He is actually not the person who does the research and writes the scripts he just reads them. Also you're clearly missing the point that the Chinese do these mega projects that countries can't really afford and offer to do so on credit/loans in order to then be able to take over those roads and get a strategic port like you said you thought they wanted in exchange for doing it for free. Your missing that the Chinese Government want and plan to get it one way or another. At least the EU country offering to build it in exchange for the use of some land was being honest and upfront from the beginning while usually doing everything to avoid environmental damage and/or environmental issues and usually providing a higher quality finished product. Just like the Chinese see natural environments as something to be and possible to force to their will and beaten into submission in any and every way, shape, and form. Whereas European countries see the environment as something you work with and can't always force/make submit to human the will or desires under any and all circumstances because lessons have been well learned and taught about natures ability to fight back and/or just die. Many people have died for the Chinese belief that all of nature can be made to submit to man's will and yet they haven't changed a thing about how they handle it no matter how many people, animals, or ecosystems are killed, destroyed, displaced, turned to desert or poisoned by those practices continuing to be implemented.

[@kosmosyche]

@@riverlady982 Yep, the naivete of some of these commenters is baffling. Their government basically sold their country to China for a road and they still defend the whole thing.

[@cuorenerazzurro1661]

Countries like Albania and Kosovo started to build their highways in the end of 2000´s and at the beginning of the 2010s to start new ones. Those countries are poorer than Montenegro (per capita) even if they have a bigger population. The reason is that they accepted the conditions of supervisors from the loan they got from EU (EBRD) which didn t allow their politicians to do what Montenegro did. North Macedonia is even worth than Montenegro with it s highway from Gostivar to Ohrid who was supposed to be over in 2014 to not have been completed yet and again postponed to December 2026 because of their previous politicians who accepted a loan from Chinese banks. Those politicians from Montenegro and North Macedonia were elected by their citizens, it s not only the politicians of those countries that are corrupted but all ranks of the society. At the end you get what you deserved, complaining about EU and West wanting to control the region and to turn to other "allies" that are even worse and who look for their interests. Of course it s mainly those economically miserable countries that are the easiest target and honestly it s not even a duty for EU to help them now.

[@lehelzelenka207]

They solved the biggest problem traveling to Montenegro and that was the Morača canyon. It was the most brutal part of the trip and now you just fly over it quite literally!

[@CRKPXL]

Exactly it is all around great. BUT of course its bad because of china. Produce in their land cheap and polute their land? Ok Having them build something here and getting something out of it? >:(

[@Sarmatian-e9t]

I drove on it this summer. It is a masterpiece of engineering for sure. You literally go tunnel->bridge->tunnel. At almost no point the road was on solid ground. At times the heights could make you dizzy if you suffer from vertigo. The big problem is that part that works is just a small fraction of what is needed to actually do its job properly which is to bring Serbian products and tourists to Montenegro. It's still a very long and very tiring drive from northern Serbia to Montenegro. To put it into perspective, Greek coast is almost twice as far as Montenegrin coast from northern Serbia, yet you get there quicker. You still need a lot of highways built on the Serbian side to make it a fully functioning route and the terrain in southwestern Serbia isn't very flat at all. Not nearly as bad as Montenegro terrain, though.

[@J56609]

Also, decades of maintenance of all those tunnels and bridges will be enormously expensive. An enormous cluster fudge, if I do say so.😮

[@zakf2929]

@@J56609 Been working on maintaining bridges, and it's very expensive and very time consuming work, made even more expensive if you don't use locals. And more often then not you also have to update the bridge and road as you do the road to meet new codes and standards which gets even more crazy expensive.

[@fastsoad]

Fully agree: traveling through Montenegro is taking way more time than it seems when you look on a map. However even though locals drive like crazy, I've personally felt more relaxed than when driving daily in Poland. Maybe they did not need this whole road-construction madness in first place.

[@blubbber]

don't forget... its Chinese build... so questionable quality

[@scottb4579]

Just wait until it starts to fall apart like all other Chinese projects. Whole entire deserted cities in China built in the recent decades are falling apart.

[@ivanlazarevic78]

I as Serbian am just happy to see this new road finished to the closest sea to my place.Let me tell you I have driven the old road there and it is a hell of a ride.

[@bobsmith3983]

Yes you have a good chance of ending up in hell driving on that old road.

[@relight6931]

We all have! ;)

[@ivanangeli]

brate, ja sam odavno odustao od CG. Idem u Grcku, gde je jeftinije, cistije, ljubaznije, a more neuporedivo lepse. Bukvalno samo je patriotizam ostao, a kako su se odcepili, cak ni to, pricam o sebi.

[@ivanlazarevic78]

@@ivanangeli ma slažem se takođe idem u Grčku uvek.

[@MrThemneboss]

​@@ivanangeliSve si u pravu! Veruješ li mi da evo kao Crnogorac, ni ja ne idem više kod nas na primorije. Živim i radim u Francuskoj, zaradjujem dobro i za njihove standarde, ali nerealno koliko smo postali skupi. Prošlo ljeto se spustio na ploče, reko da iskuliram, vazda ima žurki, žena... Ja tamo, dolazi račun, 7€ pivo 0,33... 7€! Neka to, no konobar htio još da me zakine i naplati 10€, valjda kako me čuo da komuniciram na francuskom. Fešta što se radi, bukvalno mi nije jasno ko nam još i dolazi... Fino ovo ljeto malo Španija, malo jug Francuske, popusti preko firme, ma milina. Nego ajde, ove moje kolege fascinirane CG, stvarno prelijepa priroda nema priče, tako da vjerujem da većina i turista dođe zboga toga. A takvi i ne potroše puno, rentaju smještaj, pa u đir po prirodi, hrane se doma, eventualno piće uveče.

[@alanjenkins1508]

So the EU is providing finance to Montenegro to pay off Chinese debt? That is insane.

[@28ebdh3udnav]

Sounds like a Ponzi scheme

[@AndrewMitchell123]

yet another reason why... China will grow larger

[@HamburgerHelperDeath]

@@AndrewMitchell123Wrong. China’s population is declining and will go from 1.3 billion to 600 million. Ask yourself, if the US population started to decline in 1923, would it have dominated the 20th century? The answer is no. India will pass China in economy in the next 30 years. Also a majority of US, EU and Global corporations are moving manufacturing from China to countries like Vietnam. Chinese salaries have increased by 5 times and they are no longer seen as a manufacturing bargain and COVID showed how unstable the Chinese government policies can be + how Russia invaded Ukraine made companies consider, what would happen if China invaded Taiwan. They chose to relocate their manufacturing rather than find out. Also don’t call me kid. I am older than you and you look like a corny porn star from the 1970’s

[@killsowns]

It's Geopolitics, without the debt China has no foothold

[@DW-op7ly]

Wrong China has a go out policy That’s why it’s building a fricken bridge in Eastern Europe China was sending its people and companies outside the country To the point these days Ethnic Chinese and their companies dominate the economies of SE Asia and these countries are dependent on the Chinese economy these days I stumbled upon this in the 1980s That’s why the recent move of US companies out of China? Where most went to SE Asia and most of those companies to Vietnam???? I already knew the joke was there was more Chinese content in Vietnamese gadgets than there was Chinese content in Chinese made gadgets India with a larger workforce., younger workforce and lower wages????? Had a 100 billion dollar trade deficit with China in 2022 👇 Ethnic Chinese dominate PH economy by Solita Collas - Monsod on Jun 25, 2012 Truly, a picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures of the top 15 Filipino billionaires (in US dollars, mind you) in Friday’s issue of the Inquirer brought home with crystal clarity the domination of the Philippine economy by ethnic Chinese. This is, of course, not a unique situation, as it seems to be the case in all of Southeast Asia econ. upd . edu . ph

[@doctorbjones2283]

Honestly I am shocked that this project only cost a billion dollars. I live in California, and we have spent over 10 times that much on our high-speed rail system without building a single mile of track

[@rogink]

Yeah, he mentioned 50 million euros for the coastal link. Here in UK one motorway junction costs the same!

[@tonyattenborough3754]

That's bullshit

[@Bk6346]

A football stadium in the United States costs over $1.5 billion. Mind you Montenegro only has a population of 600,000 and is slightly smaller then Connecticut.

[@rogink]

@@Bk6346 I don't think it size or population some into it much. It's a very poor country by European standards, so the cost of labour and the land to build the road would be much lower.

[@gj1234567899999]

To be fair, California is far bigger than Montenegro which is the same size as Connecticut.

[@Mladjasmilic]

There is one huge benefit - safety. Stretch of road between Kolašin and Podgorica 😊 - Kanjon Morače, was one of most dangerous roads in this part of the world. Many tunnels, sharp turns, high bridges and fog. Rain can wash away the road, or thick ice to accumulate. Old section of the road was Montenegro lifeline with almost no alternative path. Highway was overprices, but even this 40km screech saves at least 100 lives in 1st year alone.

[@Pawel_Mrozek]

Bankruptcy has never made anyone's life safer. Dependence on China will take its revenge on the inhabitants of this small country. It would be better to speed up negotiations with the EU, quickly join the community, get 85% funding for the project and build whatever you want easily within the European TENT network. And now, honestly, we don't know what the future holds for Montenegro.

[@boyan3001]

This guy is subtle pro West propagandist. He is always biased when he talks about contries like Russia and China. Only points bad things, hidding good ones.

[@natasspin3015]

You are a good person, I'm sure, but 1 billion euros could have saved more than 100 lives

[@boyan3001]

@@LTNetjak Sure they will.

[@hop3studio511]

​@@LTNetjakhaha you joking right???

[@AtWarAndy]

As a Montenegrin, I wanted to clarify a few inaccuracies: 13:35 - Which recent polls have you found indicating that China is more popular than Europe or America? A poll from a month ago that I found asked the following question: "The main support of Montenegro in foreign policy should be?" The results were 54.7% in favor of the European Union, 5.6% the USA, and only 1.8% China. The loan was indeed denominated in USD, as you said, but it was hedged in 2020 (contrary to what was mentioned in the video that it was not hedged against currency fluctuations). The hedging deal was reached before the first debt payment was due, enabling the Government to make its first four installments worth $158 million in euros at a lower interest rate. This arrangement meant Montenegro would pay in euros at an interest rate of 0.88%, instead of in dollars at an interest rate of 2%, as was originally agreed in 2014 when the project was first announced. Consequently, the Government paid the Export-Import Bank of China $25 million (23 million euros) less than if the loan had remained tied to the dollar exchange rate. Regrettably, the Government of Dritan Abazovic exited the Hedging agreement, meaning that subsequent payments will be made under the old terms (the reason for exiting the agreement is unclear to me). Regarding the project itself, you were correct to note that Western companies haven't shown interest in working on it. However, what you omitted to mention is that the political West provided no support for this vital project for this small Balkan country, despite offering financial backing to similar yet unprofitable projects in Croatia. Living here, I can affirm that this project is necessary and must be completed. We cannot build a sustainable economy without robust infrastructure. Regarding Chinese companies' involvement, I was and still am against it, but no Western companies or banks showed any interest in financing or working on the project. We had no other alternative. Regarding the July 2023 talks, they are irrelevant. A technical and corrupt government, which lost its parliamentary support over 10 months earlier, conducted these talks with the Chinese (interestingly, the government of Dritan Abazovic lasted longer in a technical term, without parliamentary support, than in a normal term). With the new government in power, their stance on this issue will soon become clear.

[@Quickshot0]

I imagine being in the EU, Croatia in certain cases can get some support from the EU development fund, at least if they can argue it will support one of the EU wide infrastructure arteries that are in development. In which case it might cover half the cost or so, which obviously is enough of a saving for a local government to make many a project more doable. So that might have some impact on some of the Croatian infrastructure projects at times. Still right now there Montenegro isn't in the EU this is a bit unfortunate, as they won't be able to get such support for certain routes right now. Though I'm unsure if this particular highway would be considered particularly useful in the wider EU structure right now or not, so can't say how much help one could expect for that particular venture. Alternately this particular project has so many risks, that western countries are afraid to take on simply because they wonder if the financing will really work out. As big as such companies are, if they are left in to big on a money hole they too can suffer quite a bit. No doubt they try to make contracts to avoid that, but it's not like things never go wrong in such matters anyway. Well these are just some speculations though, I honestly wouldn't know the actual reasoning. Still, hopefully in the end things will work out for Montenegro one way or the other.

[@AtWarAndy]

@@Quickshot0 The similar projects I mentioned, financed by the EU in Croatia, were completed before Croatia joined the EU in 2013. Regarding the risk argument, these investments are so minimal in comparison to the EU's GDP that they pose no substantial risk to the wider EU economy. It's crucial for the EU to safeguard its interests within Europe and to minimize foreign influence in European nations. A greater risk to Europe is China's financing and construction of the highway in Montenegro, compared to the EU financing and using European companies for the construction of the highway itself. Our new government plans to open tenders and initiate discussions about the second phase of the highway project this year. We anticipate seeing the EU's stance on this and whether they are open to assisting with the financing.

[@Quickshot0]

@@AtWarAndy When thinking about risks, I was thinking about it more in terms of the local government being able to support the costs of the project. Something that the last project certainly already caused some problems with. The EU supporting projects the community can not properly support could be argued to actually not really be doing a good deed for them, which could make them reluctant to do such projects then. Just as they could be reluctant if they don't think it would actually bring enough return for the costs. But again, I don't actually know what a realistic return rate assessment for this project finds. So I really wouldn't know if this would be a real concern or not. Sadly as such I can actually only speculate here as I really don't know any of the local specifics. Still, as Montenegro continues to economically grow, one can but hope that the costs of the project become less of an issue. I do hope things work out in the end, and while I agree that geostrategically speaking it's not great for the EU to have more Chinese money about. It's also not great to support projects that might actually be more expensive then is currently worthwhile for the local country either. I imagine the EU would be especially reluctant in case a project had a high corruption chance as well, as it doesn't like wasting money like that. So one can hope that in future projects that is less of a concern over there. Well in the end, in things with a lot of money attached, things aren't always as easy to get going. Lots of those EU projects had quite a bit of time before they actually got going after all. As local govs often had their own concerns on what they wanted to prioritize as well.

[@FraggnAUT]

lol, western companies were against it, because it was a stupid project. „We were forced to“ - you simply could have done anything else but build this palace of bankruptcy. This clarification of yours is so unimaginable „Balkan“. The west forced us to do stupid stuff. I heard those talking points so often from the family of my now ex gf (Serbs). It’s fucking ridiculous really. You bankrupted yourself by building an unreasonable highway, to wich European country already said BS, but you went ahead anyway. I wanted to post a comment at first like „bet somehow they‘ll blame the west for this“ and then I saw your post. 🎉

[@haenkie1]

Seeing the whole video. Nowhere does it mention that is ‘vital’ for the country. It literally says that it goes nowhere. And as one of the other people wrote. Even if you put in another billion. There is nothing in the Serbian side. Of course it doesn’t get funding from the west. There is no viable reason for this highway to exist. Maintenance is a yearly high cost. It is not only building it

[@nemiloszorka1162]

In Serbia we don't even know how much our new highways (built mostly by Chinese) cost. There is one route, from Novi Sad to Ruma, through Fruška Gora mountain, that was suppose to cost around 150 mil €, when the EU companies did the research, pre-Covid era. EU was willing to grant loans to build this road, but one of the conditions was that EU keeps a track on all of the expenses. Serbia opted for China credit, and now the price of this road is almost 600 mil €. Funny, isn't it ;)

[@stunstar4553]

it is a century joke if you think the EU can build that road cheaper

[@wojteks4712]

That's a problem with small corrupt countries. You make really big money on idiotic megaprojects. And since there are no transparency standards like in EU, you can steal half a billion and crush the economic, and your uninformed voters will still like you

[@knand9936]

@@stunstar4553 no... it won't be cheaper... but at least the quality will not be too bad and there would be modicum of fiscal responsibility demanded of the government and the contractors... I wonder how much of the money that was used lined the pockets of local politicians and Chinese officials/businessmen who were involved.? Its like combing Eastern European corruption with Chinese Corruption... I wonder what that will lead to?

[@stunstar4553]

@@knand9936 Generally speaking, according to research by the World Bank, the construction cost of roads and railways in China is only one-third of that in Europe. You can compare China's projects in Ethiopia with France's in Morocco. During the actual construction process, the project may face various unexpected problems such as political, environmentalist protests, COVID, and native people's unwillingness to relocate. For example, the construction of Berlin Airport in Germany began in 2006 and was expected to be completed in 2011. In fact, it was not completed until 2020, which took aboat three times the expected time

[@UtamagUta]

@@stunstar4553then again, In Euroepa brand new bridges do not collapse from a breeze of the wind ;) You build pop corn buildings for a pop corn prices

[@StevenLockey]

I tried Keeps once.... All my hair fell out and I had an inexplicable urge to make 30 youtube channels 🤣

[@Fortunes.Fool.]

Shots fired

[@eztvlight1202]

Is he baldsy enough to reply?

[@gilliganallmighty3]

I dont see a loss here.

[@Provocateur193]

He’s a perfect spokesperson for the product he’s promoting 😂

[@MoralesCorner]

What was he/the advertiser thinking when they decided to collab ? 😂

[@ZvonimirZelenika]

Well, Montenegro is a place of yet another Megaproject that also went crazily over budget and took 25 years to build (and also made little sense before being completed end-to-end) - a railway line connecting the two same points as this highway should when completed (Beograd - Bar railway line). If I got it correctly adjusted for inflation (from 1970s dollars) cost was about 3.5 billion dollars (in todays money) - again, trickiest and most expensive part being in Montenegro (including a bridge that way highest railway bridge in the world for 30 years). It might deserve a Megaprojects video of its own.

[@ZombieGrandpa]

It would have made far more sense to build a railway along the same path. far cheaper, farm more rugged, far easier to repair and FAR more efficient at carrying cargo, people and cars. Was not the stated reason to build the road so that they would become the "export capital of Europe? Also, google "Tofu Dregs" for an idea about how China builds stuff. Don't be surprised if tunnels collapse, bridges fall and the road becomes a maintenance nightmare soon. China has a saying, "If you can cheat, do."

[@tomekdarda]

Oh, it should have a dedicated video! I rode it twice and it’s one of the most spectacular engineering marvels and backstories I’ve heard of. 115 km of tunnels, insane! The landscape there is otherworldly and I am happy to see the nation get some recognition. People are also very friendly and so far not really pushy with prices, like many other paradise-like destinations.

[@andrewthorpe3219]

Let's hope the highway made by China is not made to Chinese construction standards. Two words: TOFU DREG The bridges and tunnels will collapse within 2-10 years leaving Montenegro with a massive debt AND nothing to show for it.

[@gargoyle7863]

Why they need this highway, when there is already railway to the port? 🙄

[@ZombieGrandpa]

One word- Government.@@gargoyle7863

[@DjorjdeISTINA]

Coruption is the bigest problem.

[@Shadow__133]

Not for the Chinese autocracy.

[@sarahlauer4397]

as always 🥱

[@myrlyn1250]

Everywhere, all the time...

[@slcpunk2740]

Spelling is the biggest problem.

[@jakovcu]

No, in this matter no.

[@kriegsmarinemne8166]

As someone who often drives on this highway i must say that this road was something that we needed so much. The north south road E65 is main traffic artery of Montenegro.It connect us with our main trade partner Serbia. This first pach of 40km of highway replaces most dangerous and slovest part of E65, trough Platije gorge. Old road is not Nepal style mounrain road, but its is still too dangerous and slow, esepecialy with big trucks on road.So it got tousends of people killed, with our population of only 600k. We did not go bancrupt, and next stages of highway are beeing planed.Serbia finished more than half of its sections, with others i diferent parts of planning and construction. Even those that were against it now say that is was good thing to build it at the thime we did.Because inflation just ate the cost.

[@deadend2023]

Kosovo build two highways that cost almost 3 billion euros with own budget with no loan. The one with Macedonia is half across Sharr mountains. In spring we are finishing the third highway with Gjilane and all the roads to big cities are upgraded to 2x2, some 4x4. Why Montenegro Gov did not look options to build themselves, but have to get loans? I truly don't understand this! You can spare from state budget 200-300 millions euros each year to complete.

[@asrenypyatko]

I also drove this highway this summer, driving from Belgrade, seemed pretty useful to me 👍

[@kriegsmarinemne8166]

@@deadend2023 Kosovo is mostly, nice and flat land surounded by mountans.Between all major cities there are no big obstacles, like huge mountains, or even rivers.So building and upkeeping other infrastructure there is much cheaper, and most of budget money can go into building highways. Most of Montenegro, even coast are in mountains.Paralel with building highway, we needed to rebuild and bild a lot of new 1+1 roads, and to rebuild and mantain our railway network, which is 100% operational, and those roads and railways go trough same mountains and gorges. We spent in last 10 years on that projects more than we spent on building highway.Beetween 150 and 300 milion euros every year, directly from budget.

[@deadend2023]

@@kriegsmarinemne8166 to be honest, we are pretty pissed off in our Government since they announcing building a new motorway connecting Prizren and Tetovo. People see this not necessary and requesting better connection with Montenegro to have access in Bar port and coastline. I see this debate going on now. Connection with Montenegro will be beneficial for economies from both sides. But not sure if Montenegro will be ready for new project without completing the current one. All the best in project, hope to be completed soon. You need this...

[@necasto]

​@@deadend2023Kosovo is teritory that is finances from drug trade.

[@coltringcoltring7448]

Damn! Only a billion for all that!? Here in The south shore of Montreal in Canada we have a 3.5 km bridge that cost 6 billions and took nearly 11 years to make

[@riverlady982]

Yes because not only will it last much longer and damage the environment less but there's also likely all kinds of environmental fees or permits the company working on it likely has to pay. They are also no doubt paying for much higher quality materials and a much higher quality of work force, overseers, and engineers that are therefore paid more for the job too.

[@coltringcoltring7448]

@@riverlady982 the bridge i talk will last at best the same time as the previous bridge who last 60 years with billions and billions put in that money pit .

[@merrick6484]

Don‘t be naive, North American actually don‘t have Quality Materials, nor Quality Work Force. When was North Americans taking on maga infrastructure projects in last 30 years? It was a generation gap that hasn‘t learned new technology and experience. Nor does North American got quality materials in the first place. When TSMC from Taiwan came to US to build a mega semi - conductor factory, local work force just stuck and got no idea how to finished it. 😂 By the way, that was TSMC‘s number 68 factory in the last 20 years.

[@coltringcoltring7448]

@@merrick6484 i aint no naive . The Champlain bridge was finish at 1961 to 2021 before they dismantled because the new one was finished and opened in 2021 . The old one being maintained for 40 years of is lifespan and the last 7 cost for the tax payers about 200M$ just to keep it open while the new was constructed. That's Montreal. And if you never been there well don't drive . Some New-Yorkers said is an nightmare to drive in the city cause all the construction sites

[@error_nr-1232]

​@merrick6484 Have you ever heard of Chinese Tofu-Dreg build quality? Now you have. Look it up, they'll probably have to replace the entire thing in less than 5 years or so.

[@elfelganor]

Montenegro looks like the starting map in Cities Skylines. Me spending all my money on Highways XD

[@idcaf]

relatable af 😂

[@matejbenko8268]

Yes, because Montenegro has a population of just 613.000 and this could be a gold mine. A little people and an important transportation hub.

[@NMY232]

If Podgorica airport copped on and got some decent routes, they could get loads of tourists up this motorway to the ski resort in Kolasin during winter. 1 hour from airport to ski resort in a cheap and beautiful country that uses euros - ideal.

[@DacLMK]

Unfortunately we in the Balkan we don't think that way. I'm from N.Macedonia, and my country can easily be turned into a rich place by just building infrastructure and resorts to our untapped natural beauty. Instead our government is just steal steal steal. I mean we also have a similar unfinished highway from Kichevo to Ohrid that has been under construction for 10 years now. They also promised to build another highway from Gostivar to Kichevo so that finally Skopje and Ohrid will be linked with a fast highway that will only take 1.5 hours instead of over 3 hours today.

[@rankoorovic7904]

Most tourist to Montenegro come by car from Serbia that's why a road was needed

[@Darinhoification]

cheap??

[@AM-pq1rq]

I've actually driven part of the road near the coast. It was absolutely amazing. I felt quite intimidated and disoriented from driving over it at the same time. The highway section ran at dizzying heights, I recall a huge long curved section, it made me feel like floating in the air, almost disconnected from earth which, in a way, you are. It did have some traffic, definitely more than 6000 cars a day, I would estimate. The coastal section that is now being developed does seem to make sense, it is rural roads only with a lot of traffic.

[@bakedkoala9827]

Wait till it starts to fall in few years

[@chefjnph7113]

it will be a tofu dreg project ...soon will collapse

[@peterelliott2914]

@@chefjnph7113 You wouldn't see American infrastructure doing that. Lol.

[@georgehh2574]

​@@bakedkoala9827 Why do you think that?

[@georgehh2574]

​@@chefjnph7113 Oh really, do you have the construction plans?

[@MobilMobil-kv5ke]

The city of Chicago essentially GAVE AWAY ITS ROADS. A privately held parking company now owns every parking spot in the city. Existing metered spots saw their prices skyrocket. The parking company then expanded the parking fees into the neighborhoods. And the Chicago police are the parking company’s private enforcement arm. Naturally the details are more complicated but it is a lesson for other municipalities.

[@romanticniustasa9693]

Police writes tickets if you didn´t pay parking? That would never work in Europe. Police here don´t have time for that sht, not to mention it´s a private company. In Croatia they want to introduce electronic payment on motorways but they still didn´t figure it out who´s gonna collect fines because Police obviously don't want to.

[@t.k.1319]

I was wondering how things were going with that new progressive mayor that rose to power by claiming the previous progressive mayor wasn’t progressive enough. Why hasn’t he done something about that? Is he too busy blaming Walmart for closing an unprofitable location that was suffering from increasing theft?

[@lukastram4990]

Wtf, all private

[@scytheblob67]

Also said "privately held parking company" is based in Saudi Arabia and partially owned by the royal family.

[@tarkov_6]

thats not the same as giving away the roads....

[@FakeSchrodingersCat]

The fact that it only cost 1 billion is honestly amazing. Look at American or even EU costs for roads and bridges that wouldn't even get you one of these bridge most places.

[@twisted_void]

What a spectacular drive it would be if the road was finished.

[@voltbf4379]

I mean i drive on that road almost daily, it is spectacular and very useful to us locals.. and once it's fully finished it'll be a net positive for our economy

[@bearcubdaycare]

As a pleasure drive, I suspect that it's more pleasant before it's finished, due to lighter traffic.

[@Bk6346]

The smart thing is let China finish the highway and then default on the debt

[@jasperhorace7147]

@@Bk6346 Along with all the other countries sucked in by the belt and road initiative. Not much China could do about it in the end.

[@thomaslunde5014]

@@voltbf4379 Well i hope all those bridges are more safe than those that they built in China.

[@coolmark4851]

The narrative and comments section for this channel are truly remarkable

[@DipsAndPushups]

It is remarkable that they have made an amazing project that was built for dirt cheap price when you take into account what the project is sound bad and people in the comments bought it. It takes talent to do that. Americans have always been masters of manipulation and smoke screen

[@diarmaidmoloney5611]

I've driven on the opened section of the road in September. Very few cars were on it at the time. It also currently comes to a very sudden end into road works on the older road for many KM.

[@zacraymond]

I recently drove from Serbia to Podgorica, Montenegro & took the old road to get a better look at the country side.. What an experience. What I did see is the old Chinese Road Corporation camp sites - huge lots of concrete slabs with bright blue sheet metal sheds scattered through the mountain sides with concrete debris & waste left to rot which really impacts the beauty of this company in a heart breaking way.. There is current road works still in operation, so it looks like the road may be completed over the next 5 or so years.. What a beautiful country is Montenegro - I’m blessed to be here 🇲🇪

[@squallp]

For years EU is pressing Montenegro government to abandon the prooject. Thats the problem not the project.

[@hispdcoder]

This 1B highway sounds and looks like a great deal considering Toronto needs 20B for 16km a subway line.

[@roshan-yognamaskar]

It's a secret deal, you do not know what its actual cost is.

[@soffici1]

The problem is that those constructing the Toronto subway won’t take Toronto away from Canadians. Just wait to see what happens to all the countries who have allowed greedy idiots to get into debt with Xi Jinping’s China

[@bgdabg6769]

​@@roshan-yognamaskarsecret for who? Great job Montenegro. Westerners are thieves and try all possible propaganda to protect their criminal interests.

[@bgdabg6769]

Looks like life there would be much easier if you could work with cheaper company. But you don't have that possibility since they are from politically forbidden countries. When I think first thing Westerners would call on would be freedom, open market, democracy...

[@LamborghiniDiabloSVPursuit]

Montenegro has a population of about 600,000. Canada has a population of over 30 million. Attempt to distribute that cost over two different population sizes, then come back. Montenegro also does not have oil, so they can't do the Middle Eastern infinite money cheat like what the UAE did.

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

"The road to nowhere is paved with excuses." -- Mark Bell

[@imnotyourfriendbuddy1883]

"Copying witty quotations out of context proves nothing." -Me

[@evanray8413]

Good intentions*

[@Hykje]

"The road to hell is full of good intentions" -Bruce Dickinson

[@vickoslavkovic2593]

Here it sounds like a justification of the western, vile propaganda and their "free" market.

[@matejbenko8268]

you must know, you know about it all

[@benhooper1956]

Visited Zabijak in 2016, absolutely lovely country and people, hope it is going ok out there

[@samuela-aegisdottir]

Fun fact: "Zabiják" means "killer" in Czech.

[@Dontliebrother]

Its going too good... i was born in Montenegro but damn now its just to much tourists and like milions of ukranians i was here for a whole summer didnt go once on the sea was just enjoying the mountains and beautiful north

[@benhooper1956]

@@Dontliebrother No one seems to focus on the mountains but well, as a tourist, I don't really want to be around tourists

[@jati3149]

Highway prices are not the problem here. The highway is demanding with many bridges and tunnels. The problem is that the state does not have money for such a project, and the people want such a project, so the politicians satisfy the people. Another problem is that the highway, when and if it is completed, will not have enough car traffic to maintain the highway, let alone repay the loan.

[@rap3208]

If that is your excuse, no infrastructure will be built. infrastructures are VERY important to a nations development and progress.

[@FraggnAUT]

@@rap3208in this case it is just stupid. Nothing that road could develop brings back their 1/3 GPD they pay for that year ok year. Just think! How should this be possible!? They should have build something smaller. You can’t just force develop a whole economy with only one big street.

[@rap3208]

@@FraggnAUT Infrastructures are not for profit, they are a service to the country and its citizens, just like the budget it spends for government and public buildings, parks, water supply, hydroelectric dams, hospitals, etc.. Where would you be if there is no school in your country? These infrastructures give intangible benefits that keeps on giving. A country needs infrastructures to develop and progress. You are just brainwashed too much by the west that wants to vilify the BRI because they can't do it even if they themselves want to. ...So, they throw mud at it.

[@FraggnAUT]

Do you really dont understand that a infrastructure project that expensive with that small of an economy wont do any good? You cant just say "but infrastructure is good and shouldnt be for profit". Yeah, but they shouldnt bancrupt that country they are build in either. Brainwashed by the west, lol. Its mathematics, numbers dont lie.@@rap3208

[@ravensblade]

@@rap3208 While it's true that infrastructure is not for profit the rest is cope. 1. There must be a reason for the infrastructure and level of it. There must be clear gain or purpose for it otherwise you end up with expensive government party with no gain for economy. I don't know why you started mentioning schools and hospitals. But yes, building state hospitals and universities in every village is waste of money. You need to have a idea why you build such facilities and what needs it's serve vs it's cost 2. You make clear mistake of assigning value in void. And that's wrong mindset. You can patch roads with gold, it will work and it will make road better but it's a waste of resources. For example 1 billion spend on this highway to small village is 1 billion not spend on something else. You always need to compare benefits in comparison to what you could have gained in it. In this cause can you truly claim that gain to Montenegran economy from improved infrastructure is bigger in case of this highway to nowhere instead of spending the same amount of money in improving existing roads, widening them, digging few tunnels for straightening them up etc? 3. As for brainwashing by the west is biggest cope i often hear. If your economic ways are that much better why they are so much poorer and stuck with constant corruption. The only brainwashing that is done is by corrupt politicians that want to make "big and fancy" projects so they can still money from it. And the "evil" west not only don't want to fund project that is not economically profitable and will stuck whole country in huge debts, but also want to see expenses so it's harder for local politician to fill their and their family pockets. Of course corrupt politician would claim that china that allow them to easily pocket money is better. China want's just control, and politician will go to their villas. What i don't understand why so many people believe in that easy alternative way of economy, that didn't work in any country in the world.

[@jjian5]

This video just shows the bias of independence media as well.

[@morismateljan6458]

I've been on that OLD road through the Morača canyon. It's horrifyingly beautiful. So steep cliffs that the slope is above 100% - there's an rock overhang above you. We in Croatia got lucky - Pelješac bridge was built by the China, but it was mostly financed by EU, and at least somewhat transparent. The European Union gets all frisky when it comes to "connectivity", so I guess it's a good thing. I wish all the best to our neighbours in Montenegro. You need that road and you deserve it finished and connected.

[@zaros1781]

It's a pretty highway but I wouldn't really recommend anyone to use it. Why? Because the regular road network goes along the mountains, valleys and gorges and Montenegro has plenty of those. Travelling could then easily take an extra hour, but Montenegro's landscape is so beautiful it is absolutely worth it. In general you should visit Montenegro. It isn't just a beautiful country, the hospitality is among the best you can get and the cuisine's also great. I've made some life long friends over there.

[@rap3208]

Those who use it everyday disagree with you.

[@RaduRadonys]

There are people who need to get from point A to point B. There are trucks that need to deliver goods. It's all fancy and cool for a tourist that visits once a year the country, but not for the other people that drive there.

[@baikeiast5255]

@zaros dum dum acting smart in the comment section😂😂😂

[@bobsmith3983]

After you've driven that dangerous road a few times the scenery gets old. Tourists always have the option to use the old road but for people needing to get to their destinations fast the new road is indispensable and once the Serbia connection is made a new level of prosperity will engulf the economy of Montenegro. When that happens the cost of the highway will be a pleasant and distant memory.

[@DipsAndPushups]

Wrong. You need to use Canon Morača if you don't use this road and that road gives me nightmares to this day, literally. It is one of the most deadly and dangerous roads in the region.

[@id104335409]

The world is made of protons, neutrons, electrons and morons!😂

[@KermitJagger911]

the road you showed at 4:52 is not in Matesevo, it's in Kotor.

[@bobsmith3983]

Accuracy is not his forte.

[@terryhsiao1745]

Please also mention in your video that Montenegrans were supportive of this road based on recent survey at the spring of this year

[@DipsAndPushups]

Of course they were. It only costed 1 billion dollars, projects like this normally cost over 5 billion dollars. And no one wants to drive in Canon Morača (the alternative, very dangerous and slow road that this new road put out of service)

[@dylanevans5644]

I've been to Montenegro recently, the country is absolutely stunning, some of the most breathtaking roads I have ever been on. We only went on this main road once, it is very useful to traversing the country even if it has not yet fulfilled it's actual purpose. I was thoroughly amazed by this road when we drove it. A road like this would simply never be attempted in the UK, it's astonishing how many mountains it cuts through and how many valleys it spans. Considering we have spent 10x this on a stretch of railway in a MUCH more forgiving terrain... 1 billion seems cheap. The locals did complain about this project however, said that the government was useless/corrupt (not saying it is, I wouldn't know, everyone complains about their govt in the same way) and it was a huge waste of money that should have been spent on other things.

[@herojskimaterial6937]

I'm from Montenegro I've seen the highway it's sad that is not done but it does look glorious especially the pillars

[@ki5aok]

I'm just wondering if a cable-stayed bridge would've been cheaper to construct.

[@Shadow__133]

@@ki5aokA falcon 9 space taxi would probably be cheaper to build 😂

[@tedthesailor172]

Apparently it's so far cost you personally 1,600 Euros, so admire those pillars at your leisure. It also means that one of the most ruthless dictatorships in the world now has you country by the balls. And finally, If you haven't already, I suggest you examine the phenomenon of Tofu Dreg construction in China...

[@palvierflex4344]

look up the word tofudreg and the general build quality in china it self and the belt and road project in other countrys,

[@bankerdave888]

Let's hope it will last 5 years!

[@michaelsummerell8618]

If that had been built in the UK, you could guarantee it would have cost at least 50 times more...

[@YakuzaSRC]

We all know that "Made in China" (and Made by China) products are cheaper and we also know the reason why 😂😂

[@UzumakiNaruto_]

@@YakuzaSRC If we're being honest, Chinese quality when it comes to major construction projects like these have been pretty damn good in recent years. They've been building a ton of infrastructure in their own country and so far there hasn't been many major issues when it comes to projects of this kind of scale. Sure Chinese products are still of questionable quality alot of the time and many lesser construction projects also have their problems, but when it comes to major construction projects like these, they've been pretty good so far it seems. I live in Canada and I look at the Chinese and I admire how quickly they can get things built with good quality and wish we could do the same. For example in Toronto they started a 19km, 25 station LRT project back in 2011 and 13 YEARS LATER after 13+ BILLION spent on this relatively small project IT STILL HASN'T BEEN FINISHED YET. Our government is still throwing millions and millions of taxpayer dollars at this project to get it done and if we're lucky it will be finished sometime in 2024.

[@UKkenny]

@@UzumakiNaruto_ i bet he is using the computer / mobile that is made in China too. when the Japanese started exporting motorbikes then cars the home appliances / electronics , they were considered cheap cr@p too..now ? here in the UK , the Korean took the exact same approach with cars KIA / Hyundai then the likes of LG and Samsung ..

[@nenasiek]

​@@UzumakiNaruto_theres dams with thousands of cracks built by China..

[@chrisgoblin4857]

@@UzumakiNaruto_ All I will say is Tofu Dreg Construction. Search that and you will see the problems with Chinese civil engineering. Three gorges dam is the scariest one.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:30 - Chapter 1 - We're on the road to nowhere 3:00 - Mid roll ads 4:10 - Back to the video 6:20 - Chapter 2 - The long and winding road 10:20 - Chapter 3 - Highway to hell 14:00 - Chapter 4 - Thunder road

[@vtheman1850]

Everyone on the internet "I am shocked" Me living in the Balkans "Yep, it checks out" :D

[@demef758]

$1B is "staggering"? Hell, $1B won't buy you 100 meters of railroad track in California! And even at that, it'll take 20 years to build it!

[@KawaiiKasai]

Why is it that the story of so many Megaprojects can be boiled down to "Humans go to do something amazing, but ultimately politics ruin everything."

[@musicdev]

Because ultimately…politics ruin everything

[@danthevanman294]

Usually because politics are initially involved with humans doing those amazing things in the first place.

[@dancox3251]

Because the pie-in-the-sky idea was originally floated by a politician to begin with.

[@uraymeiviar]

because whenever there is money, there will be politics

[@bunyipdragon9499]

Greed !

[@DaremoKamen]

Have you considered doing a Megaproject about the proposals to capture antarctic icebergs and towing them to places that need fresh water? I remember seeing those in magazines when I was a child though obviously it was never attempted.

[@fivefootten]

Cuz it was never done...

[@szmic115]

I have vague memory, that I the early 1900' there was a thing with capturing icebergs and towing them to new York. Then they would be cut and sold as ice since it was before Electric freezers

[@DeathsGarden-oz9gg]

It would be easier to grabe and mine it put the ice in a custom hold thats heated to 38f just hot enough to melt the ice and then transporte water not ice for there less water in ice. So melting it makes sense and moving that. How will we heat the ice idk use the engine in some way or whatever.

[@Kodakcompactdisc]

Middle eastern countries looked at it but it wasn’t feasible due to the melt by the time it got to the Middle East.

[@rogink]

@@DeathsGarden-oz9gg Are you OK?

[@RJ-vb7gh]

Infrastructure is rarely a bad investment. The US highway system for example paid off big, even though it was rather expensive. In fact, Roman, Greek and Persian roads are still paying off dividends today. Moreover, Eastern Europe is still suffering from the former megaproject com-block mentality where Russia (or some abstraction of "State") footed the bill and was supposed to be repaid in goodwill rather than hard currency. In other words, everything is a good idea if the State pays for it. If you are a backwash Balkan country and you are thinking highways, you pretty much follow two philosophies... If you build it they will come and someone else always foots the bill. In other words it's a win - win for you.

[@DAVID-io9nj]

Here in Hawaii, USA. We have an elevated rail project in construction. About 15 miles, at projected 4.2 billion $. Started in 2011, the project is about HALF done and has already spent about 9 billion $.

[@kristijan8518]

Same thing is happening in North Macedonia. The highway between Kicevo and Ohrid has been building for 15 years and still not finished.

[@hinken24]

Chinese are involved in that road too? The current road to Ohrid is horrible.

[@kristijan8518]

@@hinken24 yes, i think the company name is "sino hydro"

[@tlsvd5842]

@hiken have Americans build for them would take even longer and cost 30 times more They build high speed railways In California for 14 years costing 5 billions and not finished It will take another 30 years to finished

[@CatManOfTaste]

@@tlsvd5842this dude has been shinning chinas shoes in every comment section, how much do they pay you?

[@bobsmith3983]

@@CatManOfTaste He's just telling the truth. Got a problem with that?

[@DacLMK]

Here in N.Macedonia we also have a similar story about a highway that hasn't been finished for about a decade now. I'm talking about the Kichevo-Ohrid highway. It was contracted with a Chinese firm, and was supposed to be finished by the late 2010s. But due to corruption, making some mistakes in the tunnels and government change in 2017, it was left unfinished. Now just unfinished bridges, unfinished tunnels and unfinished highway dominate the road when driving from Kichevo to Ohrid to this day. It looks like now the Americans want to take over the project, and finish it, so we shall see what happens.

[@tlsvd5842]

Americans take over will cost 10 times more and 20 years longer than the Chinese and they use the materials from China anyway In California they have been building high speed railways for 14 years and it’s not finished costing 5 billions It might take another 20 to 30 years to finishing

[@directxxxx71]

When US took it , it would be another California HSR

[@Quickshot0]

@@directxxxx71 Doubt it, HSR has specific reasons why it is like it is, including USA rules, local land owners being costly to buy out, etc. If Macedonia was wise, it already owned all the lands for the road when they started building, and most permitting and so should long since been cleared. Any unexpected construction surprises should hopefully mostly be discovered already in a half built state as well. So I think there's a fair chance it might finish some what on budget. Well unless the already built parts turn out to be sub-standard, in which case reinforcement works could be a costly issue.

[@CatManOfTaste]

@@directxxxx71this guy comments on every video about china, how much do they pay to shine their boots, I could use a side hustle

[@HorukAI]

On the other hand Croatia is heading towards 1500 km of highways, not even counting fast roads.

[@kilepesic4027]

For someone living in Montenegro, I see a great deal of benefit of this road. One should know that Montenegro is very beautiful country, attracting huge number of tourists every year. However, the roads do not support the level of interest that currently exist, let alone the level of interest for the future, as this interest keeps growing too boot! As a result, having road infrastructure supporting the current/future tourist interest, as well as export/import with surrounding countries, Serbia in particular, is truly vital for Montenegro. It will always cost a huge deal to construct roads in Montenegro due it's geography/topography. So some tough calls will have to be made. However, if there is a criticism of this particular road, it would be the order in which it was constructed. Perhaps the road from Tivat to Budva should have been first construction. Smaller cost, greater return. Use these smaller projects around the coast and to the coast as a profit projects that are then later used to finance the bigger one connecting Montenegro to Serbia? Either way, Montenegro will eventually need a robust road infrastructure. Hopefully, they develop it wisely.

[@fermentedcinema4892]

Wait, the road only cost 1 billion dollars? Holy duck, can those in charge of this project finish upgrading the trans Canada highway through BC with that bargain basement price?? We just finished upgrading 4km through the moments for 700 million!

[@backlogbuddies]

They had no epa laws. You'd need to be fine with them dumping waste in rivers to get prices down that low

[@bobsmith3983]

@@backlogbuddies Nonsense. Pulled that one out of your a55 did you.

[@mangatom192]

​@@KZrIsEatingThey're not part of the EU.

[@freespeech8520]

The reason is that no other Western countries would invest. There was the report about a subway station in middle of nowhere in China a decade ago, and now, it's a city. Without roads, nowhere remains nowhere.

[@hhiippiittyy]

Montenegro ain't China, though.

[@UzumakiNaruto_]

@@hhiippiittyy Montenegro still needs infrastructure to be built in order for its nation to advance and improve. At some point you have to spend money to make money and raise the standard of living for your people.

[@hhiippiittyy]

@@UzumakiNaruto_ No doubt. But comparing Montenegro to China is absurd.

[@UzumakiNaruto_]

@@hhiippiittyy We're not comparing China to Montenegro at least I'm not. I think we're making the point that many times you have to build the infrastructure first before you see growth and prosperity following. If Montenegro doesn't build infrastructure like this highway then its cities aren't as well connected and the country isn't as well connected to its neighbors. Now that this highway is built and more is to come, perhaps it will promote more businesses opening and more growth and tourism around the highway and make other popular tourist destinations more easily assessible. Just take a look at the US. They pretty much built their country by building rail lines everywhere before there was anything to connect to in many cases especially when we're talking about from the east coast all the way to the west coast. Later on they did the same thing with their highway system. Without those two massive infrastructure projects who knows maybe the US doesn't stretch from the Pacific to the Atlantic now or if it does it wouldn't be nearly as well connected as it is now. As it was they did invest hugely into those infrastructure projects and its paid off for them ever since.

[@itmentorstva]

It's a must have road, also Budva to Tivat during season takes long time to go thru. They are really smart by building these roads.

[@AlexM-t6h]

I took a ride on this highway on the second day of its opening. It offers nice scenery along the way. The highway did manage to avoid the dangerous Moraca river canyon and shortened travel to the Adriatic seaside, although you have to get off the highway at some point and continue on poorer roads. This is Montenegro's only highway. I hope they finish it all the way. The highway is named after Princess Xenia of Montenegro. She was the first female driver in the Balkans.

[@jobra7624]

Vidim da dosta ljudi spominje tu moracz da je opasna, os mi rec sta je tu toliko opasno

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

Simon; please do a video about The Sheffield Supertram (UK) fiasco. From initial promises/lies (date), assured cost, proposed routes/destination, logistics, how many businesses it killed, the traffic disruption/chaos, where they got the steel rails, the injury/claims, how much they sold it for when it proved it could never make a profit (known from the start), how few people of Sheffield it serves, etc etc. And we're still paying for it!

[@UKkenny]

easier / more relevant to just look up HS2 .

[@ButterfatFarms]

Sounds like the Sheffield Supersham. Please tell me that's what the media coined it! 😂

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

@@ButterfatFarms Not just the media, you should hear the names what we've called it. Sheffied 'council' blunder from one expensive 'not fit for purpose' fiasco to the next in order to deflect from the previous/ongoing ones. They even try previous failures again and again heedless of prior outcomes. All the while the latest gob-shite lies and pontificates a fantasy of self agrandissement. The concept had been tried in Manchester, yet despite the glaring faults/errors they did the same/worse in Sheffield. The real reason for it was to disguise/force a radical (machiavelian) change to the traffic/public-transport system; all the while claiming it was/is 'a benefit'. It 'serves' a tiny tiny percent of Sheffielders, yet we are all still paying/suffering for it.

[@chrisgoblin4857]

@@ButterfatFarms Hahahah, I hope so too.

[@Fortunes.Fool.]

Megacorruption would be a cool channel.

[@ibrobecirovic9696]

I'm from Montenegro and this road made our trips half the time

[@on_wheels_80]

2020? I've a photo from September 2018 with the Moračica bridge being built. Incidentally, on that rainy day I've encountered the fresh wreckages of 4 more or less heavy car accidents. The old roads of Montenegro are in part spectacular, but one can be 100% sure they are slippery like soap when wet. Not that the locals seem to care much or are good enough drivers to deal with it ...

[@drmattconrad77]

It sounds tempting to go there just to drive on an empty and scenic highway.

[@swampfox984]

I want to drive one way on the highway and the other way on the old roads to compare.

[@lindsiria]

@@swampfox984 I have driven the old roads. They are incredibly insane with a ton of switchbacks. They are almost completely empty too. Super fun to drive on... except for outside Kotor. It was terrifying going down switchbacks in bumper to bumper traffic at the edge of a cliff. It was so tight I ended up scratching the rental car at one point.

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

😅 only an American would dream of tourism just to drive

[@fredthefish581]

@@TheSpaceBrosShow American here, your damn right I would go to that country just to tear up its empty highway

[@matwyder4187]

Highways are boring by nature. At least to drive on. It's a tedious act of trying not to fall asleep. Tempting for some self driving contraption, while you marvel at the landscape, trying not to think about the relation of software and bugs and the probabilities of your untimely tragic demise. But then we got trains for that experience, delivered in a much safer, much more comfortable manner. Maybe not in Montenegro, but for example, Croatia has some truly scenic railway lines just in the neighborhood.

[@jmhventure1062]

So if I borrow money and buy a Tesla, and as a result I go bankrupt, should I blame Elon Musk? Or best still US government? What kind of idiotic prognosis is that?

[@SueFerreira75]

And Montenegro is a medium risk for earthquakes. Going to be a tragedy or two if there is a repeat of the 1979 earthquake with the moment magnitude of 6.9.

[@ljuma0124]

if you ask me 6.9 isnt that big of a deal for 50 years period

[@TheMrBozidar]

Tell me you never went to Montenegro without telling me.. Simon: *this youtube video*

[@mirianakovachevic748]

Question for Megaprojects : What pricetag would you put on people who died in car accidents on the old road ? I knew entire family of 5 ( mother, father and 3 kids ) who vanished under rock while driving through "Platije". Once, I was with my friend in the car and water almost pushed us into ambyss. Few weeks ago truck driver who didn't want to pay highway tax and decided to drive through Platije instead, fell into Moraca river and died.

[@bazirancovek]

0:14 bruh we are not in pakistan we are in south-eastern europe

[@ivangudelj1065]

This is the best spend billion dollar investment in Montenegro history. All 40 km is made from bridges and tunnels ,it is crazy to think that is waisted money.

[@hughjass1976]

It's funny how if they built the current highway first, it would've been a hell of lot better for them

[@jokuvaan5175]

Yea but the corrupt politicians would have pocketed way less of the budget and it wouldn't have been as sensational propaganda boost

[@SeanSandberg-j3q]

I really enjoy how you narrate your show. Your visuals, information, and presentation are first rate. I look forward to watching your collection.

[@DipsAndPushups]

It doesn't lead to nowhere. I have used it when I went to summer vacation in Montenegro in 2022 and people who go to summer vacation to Montenegro use that highway which is both much faster and much safer than the road in canon Morača that was used prior to that highway being built. I still ocaasionaly have a nightmare that I had a car accident in that canon Morača and that my car has gone into the ambis.

[@lorenzoboyd6889]

Conspicuously absent from this video and the comments - What is the quality of the concrete (and other materials) employed, given the reputation for poor quality materials in China's domestic construction?

[@ronnelacido1711]

They will know when that bridge is opened to traffic.

[@TheRedneckRoman16]

You should do a video on the Atlantropa project. It was a vision of an early 1900's engineer to dam the Mediterranean Sea and gradually drain it of all warer to make living space and fertile ground for Europeans to expand into. He later pitched the idea to the Nazies who oddly didn't really like the idea.

[@charlesburgoyne-probyn6044]

Interesting that he tried it on with the Nazis who turned it down so they had some sense Also they wouldn't have been that keen on Europe joining north Africa.. needless to say it would probably end up more like the dead sea if it had worked

[@Brasc]

He did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGbafIiHZ6ecn68

[@sreekarpradyumna]

I just watched a bald man sell me hair loss products. You'd think it wouldn't be possible.

[@mladjonicius]

It is not a road to nowhere, Montenegro is a small country however it is also a very mountain country where north part is separated from the south and central part by huge mountain. 44km of high way connects these two parts and work is in progress to link with highway from Serbia that is already being build... And NO we will not go bancrutpt. EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ) has already published tender for second faze....

[@fd6944]

I wondered if EBRD would be involved, this is exactly the kind of project they should be helping with

[@nanky432]

When a french firm tells you building the project is crazy and unproductive, and you still ignore them, you know you've fucked up.

[@steadfastandyx4947]

Brilliant video. Montenegro is a beautiful country. This, I had no clue, is pitiful.

[@wonderfuljinn1096]

What a shame honestly, the nature over there looks marvelous.

[@mashrien]

That bridge pillar at like 1:55 is some 650-750ft tall, a quarter kilometer, or an eighth of a mile lol (that's the closest I could get using the tower crane's cabin as a reference and calculating via pixels, the angle makes it less-precise, however.)

[@jasperhorace7147]

Be interesting to know if graft, corruption and the usual Chinese penchant for tofu dreg construction means this road will last beyond a few years.

[@thomaslunde5014]

I would never dare to even take a step at a Chinese built bridge that tall, when the bridges built in China keep failing then i doubt the ones they build other places would be any better.

[@wyldhowl2821]

​@@jasperhorace7147 Well, the region already has a lot of corruption (just look at Albania, even Italy) for similar practices. Shoddy contruction is an old scam.

[@shelbynamels973]

@@jasperhorace7147 tofu dreg construction is a problem with residential construction. Public works projects and commercial high rises seem to be robust enough.

[@bogdanobradovic7621]

Bro, China is the future, their engineers are the best in the world, the construction is far beyond anything the west is capable of.

[@htaimaimunbaskunchi7234]

750 BRIDGES IN CHINA COLLAPSED FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS

[@drmr_mist]

That road is helpfull it bypass the most dangerous part in Montenegro. It is still not done, and when it is, it would connect Montenegro with Serbia. And therefore with the rest of the Europe. It is expencive but it is rather helpfull. There are a lot of people like me, who are traveling often with this reoand and help us a lot.

[@Kasaaz]

For reference, the Connecticut he compared it to has 3.6 million people.

[@skug9bob]

Can't say I'm surprised by the new plans. When you've done something that makes you look like a fool, the common reaction is to deny you made a mistake - indeed, proclaiming your critics the fools and double down on the idiocy, because admitting stupidity is always more painful than continuing to dig. And then there's the whole sunk costs fallacy...

[@bobsmith3983]

People like you can't see beyond your noses. Have you seen the cost benefit analysis that the Montenegro government did? After you read it come back and comment.

[@TheTjurKan]

I would only partially agree with the video. Yes, the current section of the road Smokovac (near the capital Podgorica) - Mateševo (a minor village) is indeed a road to nowhere. But, once the rest of the highway to the Serbian border is completed, as well as the section through Serbia on the other side (from Požega to the border), this will be the first and the only connection to European network of highways for Montenegro. Sure, this will require many more years of work and generate even more costs to both Montenegro and Serbia, but, once fully completed, it will probably provide the fastest and safest road connection for all of Montenegro, as well as major parts of Albania and even south-east of Bosnia and Hercegovina to central and eastern parts of Europe. It is even more important if we take into account that the goal of both Montenegro and Albania is to become a well developed tourist destinations, so there is a chance that this project (with all of mentioned downsides) will in the end pay off in a couple of decades.

[@slavenrasic2173]

Whats the use of a such long connection to european highways when they can just drive to the nearby Croatian highway in Dubrovnik?

[@ozwiz935]

Finally someone with a vision. How will will a country develop without proper infrastructure? China saw the need for infrastructure in order to grow and invest heavily in it but others only criticize. Here in usa our infrastructures are crumbling. It takes forever to get a project completed.

[@TheTjurKan]

If I am not mistaking, Croatian Highway has not reached Dubrovnik yet ... ? Besides this, driving from Podgorica to Dubrovnik currently takes 2h 40min as per Google maps, via Nikšić and Trebinje. But I can assume that they plan to have a modern highway on this route also, some time in the future. @@slavenrasic2173

[@trestianb]

I have been on this road last year, spent the night in Podgorica. For 40km we encountered 4 cars. It had a feeling of deserted road. Beautiful, gorgeous, new, but deserted. And the thought, of course, was who paid for all this and how is it economically viable? Now we know.

[@chingatumadre8341]

78 thousand people used it just yesterday in the summer season, so it really depends

[@Baz.007]

A nation wants a road built, and turns out to not be profitable, then everyone blame the builder and financier. If this isn't propaganda, I'm not sure what is.

[@vaibhavdlv]

hmm lets forget the corrupt politicians and in whose pockets they are - builder and financier of course.

[@shelbynamels973]

The Grand Tour - clarkson, Hammond, and May - should go there and do a drag race, like they did at a similar project on Reunion.

[@briant7265]

So what we'll do is, we'll forgive this debt as long as you take on this even bigger debt that will mean we own your entire country. Montenegro: Sounds legit.

[@izoyt]

they learn from best.

[@sidneyleejohnson]

Give it a couple of years, Tofu Dreg will set in and create a dystopian piece of art...

[@dincoox1725]

Same here in Bosnia which they also want to build highway across the country and they opened the Herzegovina bridge few weeks ago and it will most likely bankrupt the nation

[@jakobfromthefence]

You have to understand Balkan topography to know there is no reasonable alternative to expensive highways.

[@bobsmith3983]

The highway cost was a bargain. Building it now would cost a lot more, more so with a European company building it if you could find one to build it.

[@Chainyanker007]

I used to know a guy from Montenegro, he said there is much corruption there. The problem with these huge Belt and Road projects is they leave these small poor countries in huge debt. There is also the ongoing cost of maintaining these huge projects which is a huge forever cost.

[@grievousrationality4664]

Debt is good for growth if used correctly, no one can make them wealthy but themselves, I honestly think China is god send for these poorer nations, their debt structure and repayment methods are bottom line charity…

[@JinghisKhan]

One other thing is that no one is forcing these countries to take the deals, the problem is that these are the only deals available. The US and most of the EU are decidedly NOT proficient at large scale road or railway projects anymore from an on-time, affordable standpoint. Look at HS2 in the UK, the 2nd Ave line in New York in the US, etc.

[@bobsmith3983]

@@grievousrationality4664 And the capital costs for building the projects is considerable less than what would be required if built by Western construction companies.

[@bobsmith3983]

@@JinghisKhan The people who question these BRI projects don't have a clue about the cost benefit analyses done on both sides. They just pull stuff out of their a55es without thinking. These people believe they know better than the project engineers, accountants, financial institutions and governments that put these projects together.

[@acikacika]

Few things not mentioned but very important: - Belt and Road is counting on depth crisis and confiscates important ports or objects of interest, in this case the Port of Bar. - This stretch of highway saves almost 100 lives per year becouse the only existing road way the infamously dangerous Morača Gorge road. - Montenegro is heading for EU membership very strong, it was to be expected to ask EU for assistance regarding this fuck-up. - when fully finished, the Port of Bar will be a major distribution hub with Serbian highway network connection it will boost the whole Balkan region

[@peterstockhaus2709]

1st you will not get that kind of a 20 minutes ride for a family of three on any fun fair for € 3.50. 2nd: This is important infrastructure. Why did Europe not pay for it? And thank you for the precise analysis from the distance. Well done.

[@drot13]

Europe didn't pay it partialy because of corruption and partialy because locals mostly lean towards Russia and China. Like Serbia, they think the Russians are their brothers (at least in faith), but get more (money, jobs, resources) from EU.

[@matthewdidisciple]

If Simon ever came online with a video with his hair regrown I'd buy keeps like now😮

[@aukanmeister]

Cheap. In my country, Norway, you don't get far with a billion dollars. One project crossing fjords between two of our coastal cities are planned to cost three times that. Total population of those two cities are comparable to that of Montenegro.

[@whyjnot420]

Speaking as a lifelong resident of Connecticut I ask the following... How many people actually have a halfway decent idea of how big Connecticut is? My answer: Not a lot.

[@scarx4181]

As a resident of California, about the size of one of our larger counties probably. How much Connecticut is there? My answer: Not a lot.

[@shelbynamels973]

It's easily explained. you just need to compare it to the size of New Jersey.

[@whyjnot420]

@@shelbynamels973 Without the smell. :P Bridgeport excluded.

[@whyjnot420]

@serriajohn Not the slightest to do with the context of my post. Maybe put it in an actual comment of your own rather than bury it in a thread. That said. Taiwan is a country and little pinks can do things to themselves that yt won't let me say. So that should tell you my stance on all of the BS from the ccp (note that I refuse to even give them the respect of capital letters.) I have been fascinated with china since I first found the Taklamakan Desert on maps back in the mid 80s as a kid. Geographically and culturally they are one of the most fascinating places on the planet. With a rich and storied history. I pay a lot of attention to them. 2 reasons other than my general fascination with the land and its people: 1) is their asinine stance on international politics. 2) The Chinese people (note respect) deserve so so so much better. Instead they are a people who would rather let a person drown when they could easily be rescued (look up the woman rescued by the British diplomat a few years ago) and have some of the scummiest practices relating to so many things. Some from before the ccp, like the rampant corruption. But others, like the former red guard of mao, who just don't give a rats ass about anyone but themselves. (who are everything from grab hags, to the people in top levels of government atm). Not to mention society wide racism at a level that would have made a plantation owner from Virginia in 1855 cringe. addendum: To any little pink or western ccp apologist... don't even bother talking to me. You are scumbags and lost causes.

[@whyjnot420]

@@scarx4181 btw, Connecticut is approximately 1/10 the area of England (not the UK, not Great Britain, just England... which itself is about the size of New York state). ~5,500 square miles for Connecticut, 50,000 square miles for England. Just shy of 55,000 square miles for NY. You are right that there isn't a whole lot of area here. But "Connecticut=small" really doesn't get the point across. Saying it is a tenth the size of the country of England. Or even just saying that to begin with and omitting Connecticut altogether, would have been far easier to grasp. Especially to people not very familiar with US geography. addendum: Ct. is ignored and overlooked relative to much of the rest of the states. I actually really like living here (NW corner of the state... a decent way from Hartford, Bridgeport and Fairfield... cost of living sucks, but life is a compromise), so I like hearing it mentioned. So when you hear me saying that it would have been better to not even use it as a reference... That is really saying something. addendum 2: If you draw an arc between NYC and Boston that goes through northwest Ct. I am almost halfway between them. So I like to tell people I live in the middle of nowhere and everywhere. :)

[@Tscherno_Bill]

Last year i drove on the Highway, it was so sureal. At the end of the road you got back on poorly made roads with half a meter deep potholes. But the country is a visit worth.

[@danicic87]

Compare this on driving through "Moraca Canyon " P.S. And yes I agree that they should build just 2 lanes ( half of highway ... ) and charge same tool -> but ... Not my country and money so not my business ..

[@Tscherno_Bill]

@@danicic87 the drive trough the canyon isnt that bad, you just habe to watch out when you obertake the semis. And put your seatbelt on. In Serbia and Montenegro a little cross on the mirror ist often your seatbelt. And when you put your own seatbelt on when you drive passenger they ask you if you don't belive in their drivinskills And god.

[@danicic87]

@@Tscherno_Bill kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZvCi6CVYtCImNU

[@lukecat3825]

I love your take on the things you report on. I also love the fact that there is a bald man whose sponsor is a company that helps men keep their hair. You should ask for some free samples 😂

[@wallacegrommet9343]

He already stated that it’s too late for him

[@gitnote]

Around 15000 vehicles pass this road daily even if it is still local in character. We are all happy we have it because it bypasses the most dangerous road section along a canyon. Tourists and heavy vehicles benefit a lot from it.

[@MrRezillo]

Heartwarming! Thanks, Simon

[@cs7th]

Given the low traffic use, they could have built a single 2 lane highway and saved around 40% of the cost.

[@jossdeiboss]

When you are building so many bridges, it does not make much difference between 2 lanes and 4 lanes.

[@cs7th]

@@jossdeiboss The bridges is why it's only a 40% decrease and not 50%. Two tunnels, as used on this highway, cost twice as much as one tunnel etc.

[@jossdeiboss]

@@cs7th I see your point. Well, then in that case the best option would have been building a single 2 lane highway with bridges already capable of an extra lane on each side.

[@cs7th]

@@jossdeiboss Right. Maybe if they had built a 2 lane highway, they would have reached the border and gained enough traffic to justify the expense - and then later, if needed, they could have built the other 2 lanes.

[@jliang70]

What is the 40% cost? There are two cost estimate for this high way from the British, one said it will cost 800 million and the other 570 million, I think the 570 million figure could be a figure coming out of a study in 2009 and 803 million figure was more likely to come out of a study in 2012. And this is very interesting as to why in the 3 years period the cost of building a bridge would have gone up by 230 million, and what would be the cost a few years later?

[@Nathan-vt1jz]

This is a similar story with most of the Belt and Road projects.

[@ozwiz935]

Can you tell how many African countries have benefited from centuries of Western intervention and IMF?

[@AnotherComment-rl6fv]

@@ozwiz935 you can lead a horse to water, you cannot make it drink.

[@UzumakiNaruto_]

@@ozwiz935 If people from the west and around the world never visited Sub-Saharan Africa, they'd all STILL be living in the stone ages in 2023. Africans complain about all the bad, but they NEVER acknowledge that without the world giving them every modern convenience on a silver platter that they'd still be less developed than the Roman empire from ancient times. How sad is that? There are African tribes that have had barely any contact with the outside world and guess what? They still hunt with spears and are living in mudhuts because they were completely incapable and/or unwilling to learn and advance as a society. So yeah African nations were taken advantage of, but the world literally transported these same countries from the stone age into the modern world even though they're still barely able to adapt to the modern age that we live in.

[@bobsmith3983]

@ Nathan Nonsense.

[@Nathan-vt1jz]

@@bobsmith3983 Simon has covered the consistent issues with the belt in road initiative. Many projects are left incomplete, it uses out of country workers, some of the construction is tofu dreg, and many countries have ended up in crippling debt. There are some projects that have gone well, but there’s a reason countries are ditching out of the initiative. It’s not some secret or conspiracy theory.

[@billsellwood3280]

Montenegro's version of HS2 ...

[@bobsmith3983]

Not a good comparison. HS2 is a boondoggle.

[@zbaktube]

When you said that hair loss is close to your heart came to my mind how different we are. For me, hair loss is much closer to my feet then my heart 😀