€190m rail upgrade in northern Croatia to transform connectivity

(Photo: HŽ Infrastructure)

Northern Croatia’s rail network is undergoing a major transformation, with a €190 million upgrade project set to significantly improve connectivity, speed and sustainability across the region.

Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković visited works on the Čakovec – Varaždin – Koprivnica – Kloštar railway line, one of the largest regional railway infrastructure projects currently underway in Croatia.

The project, spanning approximately 90 kilometres, is being financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank, reflecting a strategic shift as EU funds remain focused on larger, core transport corridors.

Speaking during the visit, Butković described the project as the most significant regional railway investment currently in progress.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the works, highlighting the use of advanced rail machinery capable of carrying out multiple reconstruction processes simultaneously.

The reconstruction began in 2025 and is progressing in phases. According to HŽ Infrastructure CEO Damir Lončarić, major structural works have already been completed on sections of the line, including the replacement of rails, sleepers and ballast.

A temporary closure is currently in place between Koprivnica and Varaždin, where intensive works are ongoing, particularly on the Ludbreg–Rasinja section. This phase is expected to be completed by early May.

Once the project is finalised, trains will operate at speeds of up to 100 km/h, significantly improving journey times and reliability.

(Photo: HŽ Infrastructure)

The upgrade includes extensive works across the entire line, including reconstruction of both lower and upper track structures, replacement of switches at railway stations, construction of new passenger platforms, installation of synthetic surfaces at 62 railway-road and pedestrian crossings, rehabilitation of bridges and culverts, upgrading station and stop lighting and modernisation of signalling and traffic management systems.

The project also connects to previously upgraded sections towards Virovitica, creating a continuous 120-kilometre stretch of modernised railway from Čakovec towards Osijek and Dalj.

Local officials emphasised the broader importance of the project. Varaždin County Prefect Anđelko Stričak noted that the investment addresses long-standing infrastructure needs across northern Croatia, following years of delays.

Plans are also underway to develop an intermodal transport hub in Varaždin, with additional proposals emerging for a similar facility in Ludbreg. These hubs aim to strengthen logistics capacity and support the shift of freight transport from road to rail.

The move is expected to improve environmental outcomes while enhancing economic efficiency across the region.

The project forms part of a wider national strategy, with HŽ Infrastructure planning to invest €6 billion into railway infrastructure by 2035.

(Photo: HŽ Infrastructure)

As one of the flagship regional developments, the Čakovec – Varaždin – Koprivnica – Kloštar upgrade marks a significant step towards modernising Croatia’s rail network and aligning it with European transport standards.