€13 million modernisation of Hum-Lug–Gornja Stubica railway line to start

DONJA STUBICA, 7 June 2026 – Croatia has taken another step in its ongoing railway modernisation programme with the signing of a €13 million contract for the reconstruction of the Hum-Lug–Gornja Stubica railway line in Krapina-Zagorje County.

The agreement, valued at €13 million excluding VAT and financed through a European Investment Bank (EIB) loan, was signed in Donja Stubica by HŽ Infrastructure president Damir Lončarić and Zvonko Perčin, board member of the selected contractor, Pružne građevine d.o.o.

The Hum-Lug–Gornja Stubica line is an important local railway serving passenger transport in Krapina-Zagorje County and providing links to Zagreb.

Officials said the project will help revitalise local rail infrastructure and create conditions for a more efficient and competitive public transport network in north-western Croatia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković said the project forms part of a wider programme of railway investment across Croatia. He noted that total railway investments currently exceed €1.5 billion, largely supported by European funding, including the Cohesion Fund and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

Butković added that the renewal of local and regional railway lines is being financed through a €900 million financing arrangement between the Croatian Government and the European Investment Bank, with the Hum-Lug–Gornja Stubica project among those benefiting from the scheme.

(Photo: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)

Highlighting railway projects in Krapina-Zagorje County, the minister pointed to the completed reconstruction of the Zaprešić–Zabok line and the renovation of the Zabok–Krapina section, completed in 2024 and valued at around €15 million.

He also confirmed that preparations are underway for the reconstruction of the 40-kilometre Kumrovec railway line, with project documentation currently being developed.

In addition, plans are progressing for the modernisation and electrification of the Zabok–Krapina–Đurmanec–state border railway, a project estimated to be worth around €200 million and also expected to be financed through EIB funding.

Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect Željko Kolar welcomed the signing, stressing the importance of rail transport for students and commuters in the region. He said improved mobility is essential for both economic development and education and praised the government for securing a financing model that enables the renewal of local railway lines.

Kolar also highlighted the strategic importance of the future Kumrovec railway project, noting that the route runs along much of the border with Slovenia. He said the line could contribute not only to economic development but also to supporting population retention in border areas that have experienced declines since rail services were discontinued.

Donja Stubica Mayor Nikola Gospočić described the project as one of the largest capital investments for the town and the wider Gubec region. He underlined the importance of railway transport for local residents, particularly secondary school students who travel to Zabok and Zagreb for education.

Gospočić expressed hope that within two years residents would benefit from improved rail infrastructure and upgraded train services.

The contract signing ceremony was also attended by senior representatives from the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, HŽ Passenger Transport, local government officials and members of the Croatian Parliament.