Zagreb’s main railway station to get major restoration

Zagreb’s Glavni kolodvor

Zagreb’s Glavni kolodvor, the Croatian capital’s main railway station, is one step closer to long-awaited restoration.

On 12 September 2025, HŽ Infrastruktura signed a contract with Interkonzalting d.o.o. and PlanAxis d.o.o. for the preparation of technical documentation for the comprehensive renovation of the station building.

The project is financed through a European Investment Bank loan secured by the Croatian Government, HŽ Infrastruktura said in a statement.

This agreement marks the second phase of the project and covers the development of conceptual and main designs, along with all required permits.

What the restoration will include

The two-year documentation process will lay the groundwork for:

• Structural and energy-efficient renovation of the station building, platforms, and canopies
• Installation of new lighting, heating, and cooling systems
• Landscaping and improved surroundings
• Integration of renewable energy, with solar panels planned for the platform canopies

The aim is for the station to become largely self-sustainable, while retaining its cultural and historical character.

State Secretary in the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Žarko Tušek, highlighted the project’s significance:

“By signing this agreement, we are entering the key phase of restoring Zagreb’s Main Station – the heart of Croatian rail transport and a protected cultural monument. Our goal is to make the station modern, energy-efficient, and accessible to all passengers, while preserving its historic and cultural value.”

President of the Management Board of HŽ Infrastruktura, Ivan Kršić, noted the balance between heritage and modernisation:

“The 133-year-old station is a cultural monument, and we must preserve its original form as much as possible, while also adapting it to the 21st century. Up to 30,000 passengers pass through this building daily, making it the largest railway station in Croatia.”

Glavni kolodvor

Hari Vladović-Relja, Director of Interkonzalting, emphasised the responsibility of the project:

“Our role is to reconcile conservation requirements with modern solutions in structural and energy renovation, safety, and accessibility, especially for people with reduced mobility. We are confident that we will deliver high-quality documentation within the set timeframe.”

Once the documentation is completed, the third phase will follow: a tender for construction works estimated at €70 million. Works are expected to begin in 2027 and last around three years.

By 2030, Zagreb is expected to have a fully restored Main Station – a 19th-century cultural monument modernised for the 21st century and, as officials noted, a new attraction for visitors to the city.