Croatia’s major transport projects: Billions invested in railways, roads and connectivity

Zagreb

Croatia is in the midst of a major investment cycle in transport infrastructure, with large-scale projects underway or planned across the country covering railways, roads, ports, inland waterways and aviation.

One of the most significant projects is the reconstruction and construction of a second track on the Hrvatski Leskovac–Karlovac railway line.

The 44-kilometre section is being modernised and electrified, with new bridges, viaducts, electrical infrastructure, stations and facilities planned, writes Snježana Bičak for Večernji list.

Spanish company Comsa S.A. signed a contract with HŽ Infrastruktura for the project, which is valued at €348.5 million including VAT. Once completed, trains will be able to travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h, with works scheduled to finish by the end of 2029.

The section forms part of the planned lowland railway connecting Zagreb and Rijeka, a major strategic project designed to provide a shorter and faster route towards Croatia’s largest port and Central Europe.

The future railway corridor will be around 175 kilometres long, approximately 56 kilometres shorter than the existing route. It is planned as a fully electrified, double-track line capable of speeds of up to 160 km/h for passenger trains and 120 km/h for freight. More than 30 tunnels and viaducts are planned, including a 14-kilometre tunnel through the Velika Kapela massif, which would become Croatia’s longest tunnel.

According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, projects supported by European funding programmes currently total around €5.57 billion, including approximately €3.45 billion in EU grants. More than €1.7 billion is already being invested in railway infrastructure, while around €6 billion in railway modernisation is planned over the next decade.

Road infrastructure is also receiving substantial investment. Major projects include completion of the Istrian Y motorway, new expressways, bypasses and additional motorway lanes, while preparations are advancing for projects including the proposed Istrian X connection towards Labin and a new bridge linking Krk with the mainland.

Croatia is also renewing its railway fleet. Seventy new low-floor trains are already in operation, while additional electric, battery and hybrid trains are planned through 2029.

In aviation, Croatia Airlines is replacing its entire fleet with Airbus A220 aircraft. Ten of the planned 15 aircraft had been delivered by the end of July 2026, with the remaining aircraft expected as the fleet renewal continues.

Port infrastructure is being upgraded at locations including Rijeka, Split, Zadar, Krk, Rab and Rovinj, while investment is also continuing in inland waterways and the Port of Osijek.

The government says the long-term objective is to create a safer, faster and better-connected transport system, strengthening links between Croatian regions and European transport corridors.