Croatia plans €684m investment to modernise key railway routes

Split

The Croatian Government is planning a major investment of almost €684 million to modernise and renew the country’s railway infrastructure over 2026 and 2027, according to a draft Action Plan currently in public consultation, Večernji list reports.

The funding forms part of the National Railway Infrastructure Development Plan and aims to significantly improve rail capacity, safety, speed and overall service quality.

Under the plan, €318 million is earmarked for 2026, with a further €365 million planned for 2027. The funds will come from a combination of the state budget, European Union funds, and HŽ (Croatian Railways).

In terms of sustainability, the Government aims to increase the share of operating costs covered by ticket sales, excluding subsidies, to 28 per cent by 2026, rising to 35 per cent by 2030.

Extensive Rail Renewal and Modernisation

Between 2026 and 2027, Croatia plans to renew 439 kilometres and modernise 222 kilometres of railway lines. This part of the programme alone is valued at €580 million, with €275 million planned for 2026 and €305 million for 2027.

Projects of National Importance

Several strategic rail corridors have been designated as projects of national importance, including:

• Zagreb – Slovenian border (towards Ljubljana)

• Zagreb – Dugo Selo

• Dugo Selo – Hungarian border (towards Budapest)

• Zagreb – Karlovac – Rijeka

• Dugo Selo – Novska

• Railway networks of the Zagreb and Rijeka rail hubs

• Hungarian border – Osijek – Bosnian border

• Oštarije – Knin – Split

These routes are considered vital for national connectivity, international links and economic development.

Regional and Local Projects

Projects of regional and local significance include upgrades on the following lines:

• Varaždin – Dalj

• Čakovec – Varaždin – Zagreb

• Revitalisation of railway lines in Istria

• Čakovec – Kotoriba

• Renewal of additional lines, stations and stops across the country

According to the Government, these improvements will increase infrastructure capacity, allow higher travel speeds, reduce journey times and improve service quality, all aimed at attracting more passengers and strengthening rail transport’s competitiveness.

An additional €35.8 million is planned for measures to improve railway safety.

While container terminals in Rijeka currently have sufficient capacity for the next few years, growing demand has prompted plans to begin activities related to the construction of a port on Krk, including a potential rail connection. This would align with modernisation plans for the Skradnik – Krasica – Tijani rail section.

In other ports across Croatia, the Government plans to clarify land ownership and management responsibilities, while modernising port infrastructure in line with current use and future needs.