Croatia is set to transform its transport network with a high-speed rail upgrade linking Zagreb to the Hungarian border by next year. Backed by EU funding, the modernisation promises faster journeys, improved commuter options, and strategic connections to Rijeka’s deep-water port, boosting both travel convenience and economic growth across the country.
High-Speed Rail Link to the Hungarian Border Nears Completion
Next year, the renovation of the railway line from Zagreb to the Hungarian border should be fully completed. From Koprivnica, one would be able to reach the capital in 60 minutes aboard modern Končar trains. This place, located 100 kilometres away, would in effect become a suburb of Zagreb.
Motorway Success but Railway Neglect
About fifteen years ago, Croatia completed key motorways in all directions from Zagreb, with those towards Rijeka and Split being particularly important due to tourism. At that time, interest rates were high, from 6 to 7 percent, loans took a long time to repay, but it was worth it. However, the railway network was completely neglected. There was no investment.
EU-Funded Railway Revival
The railway renovation began some six or seven years ago, with the help of funds from the European Union, which in some corridors covers up to 75 percent of the total costs. Next year, an important part of that railway network will be completed and put into operation. From Zagreb, via Križevci and Koprivnica to the Hungarian border, modern low-floor Končar trains will operate at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour.
Faster Commuting Times for Koprivnica
Thus, from Zagreb to, for example, Koprivnica, about 100 kilometres away, including all station stops, the journey will take 60 minutes. The trains will have wi-fi, as well as an additional carriage for bicycles and pets. From Koprivnica, it will be possible to commute daily to work in Zagreb, making it a kind of suburb, since in some larger European cities it takes more than an hour to travel from home to work.
Upgraded Tracks and Stations
On this route, the old track has been renovated and an additional one built, with all stations refurbished. Croatia is also renewing the railway network towards Slavonia. A contract for the renovation of the railway line from Zagreb to Novska was recently signed.
Strategic Importance of Rijeka’s Deep-Water Port
However, from an economic perspective, the most important route for Croatia at present is towards Rijeka, which has a deep-water port. There, even the largest ships can dock with cargo, which is then transferred to smaller vessels so they can enter the Slovenian port of Koper and the Italian port of Trieste, both of which are shallow. The Port of Rijeka recently opened a modern container terminal, which the Chinese wanted, but in the end the Croatian Government granted the concession to the well-known shipping company Maersk.
Rail Bottlenecks to Rijeka
They have already installed enormous cranes and traffic is steadily increasing. However, the problem is the railway, especially from Karlovac to Rijeka, which goes over hills and valleys, making it too slow. Croatia decided long ago to build a new, lowland railway line to Rijeka.
New Lowland Route Underway
Work first began on the renovation of the railway line from Zagreb to Karlovac. One section is already finished, and for the remainder of that section contracts have been signed with contractors. Here too, the old track will be renovated and a new one built. After Karlovac, the line will run to Josipdol in Lika, and then will no longer follow the old route but a new one, along flatter terrain to Rijeka.
Viaducts, Tunnels and Improved Speeds
This route will have many viaducts and tunnels, one of which will be 11 kilometres long, but it will allow for decent speeds. In total, over the next ten years or so, Croatia will invest around 1.5 billion euros in the renovation of the railway network, with a significant portion of the funding provided by the European Union.
Part of Europe’s Defence Network
Part of this will also be built within the framework of Europe’s new armament efforts, since these are corridors that will be used for the transport of weapons and equipment by NATO troops. As with the motorways, it will take time to renovate the railway network, but once completed, life and travel within Croatia will be significantly better than today. Next year, the residents of Koprivnica will feel the benefits.
