The small system, now mostly dysfunctional, was considered by many travel guides as a tourist attraction and de facto a panoramic train journey, however the railway from Elbasan to Pogradec, often considered to be the most scenic part of the railway, was closed in 2012 due to the poor condition of the line and the structures along it.

Before 1947, Albania was the only country in Europe not to have a standard rail service, although some narrow (Decauville) gauge lines were built during World War I.

The railway system was extensively promoted by the government of Enver Hoxha, during which time the use of private motor transport was effectively prohibited.

Whilst some of the country's secondary roads are still in a very poor condition, there have been other developments (such as the construction of a motorway between Tirana, Durrës, and other towns) which have taken much traffic away from the railways.

Though the newly built Elbasan-Podgradec highway incorporated bridges over the railway track, thus leaving open the possibility of their eventual reopening, it is unlikely that services to Elbasan and beyond will resume.

Rehabilitation of the Fier - Vlorë mainline is currently being carried out by Albrail for freight purposes, a private company which bought the rights to that track from HSH.

The rehabilitation, funded by a loan of €35.9 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and a €35.5 million grant from the Western Balkans Investment Fund, includes the complete overhaul of around 40km of track, including a new section to Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, as well as the construction of new stations all across the line.

[10] As of September 2023, the Vorë - Han i Hotit line, sometimes known as the Shkodër–Vorë railway, is in the final stages of preparation before construction begins.

Similarly to the Tirana - Durrës line, the trains are expected to reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), however, the track will not be electrified.

The rehabilitation cost is estimated at EUR 52 million which will meet European Network design standards at speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph) and axle load of 22.5 tons.

The line is expected to mostly follow the Vorë–Hani i Hotit railway, up until Shkodër or another point, where it will branch off, reaching Gjakovë and continuing towards Pristina.

[17] The consortium selected to conduct the feasibility study which will decide the precise path of the line has until the end of 2024 to publish their results.

[20] Albania, Bulgaria and North Macedonia have signed on 19 October 2021 an agreement to complete Pan-European Corridor VIII.

[21] The Durres - Pogradec line will be extended by 3 km (1.9 mi) to Lin where the tracks will continue into North Macedonia.