Croatia is set to undergo a massive modernization of its railway system, with ongoing revitalization projects worth €1.7 billion and an additional €6 billion in investments planned over the next ten years. The goal is to bring the Croatian railway network up to the standards of its more developed Western neighbors.
Žarko Tušek, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, emphasized the growing importance of rail transport in Europe. He pointed out that significant funds are being allocated for infrastructure development through various operational programs supported by the European Commission. In addition to EU funding, Croatia has contributed national funds and secured a European Investment Bank (EIB) loan of nearly €1 billion. Tušek also noted that new financial mechanisms and funds are being prepared to further boost the development of new corridors, rail infrastructure, and the acquisition of new trains.
Ivan Kršić, Chairman of the Board of HŽ Infrastruktura, highlighted that the company has already launched a major investment cycle, with over €1 billion worth of works currently underway. He added that projects worth €6 billion are planned for the next ten years, which will see the reconstruction and modernization of approximately 1,000 kilometers of track — about half of the country’s entire network.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Croatia is also investing heavily in renewing its train fleet. Željko Ukić, Chairman of the Board of HŽ Putnički Prijevoz, announced that by the end of the year, the passenger operator will have 70 new trains in service, accounting for just over 50% of the fleet. Furthermore, a contract for the purchase of 13 additional trains is set to be signed in the near future.
Of these new trains, five will be electro-diesel units, while the remaining eight will include four battery-powered and four electro-battery trains. The battery-powered units are designated for routes in Istria and Dalmatia, while the electro-battery trains will serve the country’s inland regions.
Ukić emphasized that the aim is to fully renew the passenger train fleet by 2032, by which time around 130 new trains are expected to be in operation.
