Slovakia and Croatia advance major railway modernization projects

Major railway infrastructure and rolling stock upgrades are underway in Slovakia and Croatia.

In Slovakia, Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) has signed a contract with Škoda Group and ŽOS Trnava for the acquisition of new long-distance electric trains. The deal includes 8 new units with an option for 7 more. These trains are designed for speeds of up to 200 km/h and will feature modern amenities such as a restaurant area, quiet zones, family sections with children's cinema, and accessibility for persons with disabilities. The first units are expected between 2032 and 2033, with plans for interoperability in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

In Croatia, Hrvatske željeznice (HŽ) has signed a €900 million contract for the reconstruction and doubling of the Dugo Selo – Novska railway line. This project, part of the trans-European transport network, will be executed by the Indian company Afcons Infrastructure. The works are expected to last approximately five years and ten months, aiming to increase train speeds to 160 km/h on the 83-kilometer section. The project is funded through the EU's Connecting Europe Facility and cohesion funds.