Zagorska railway modernization to reduce travel times

A major modernization project for the Zagorska railway line is planned to reduce travel times between Budinšćina and Zagreb to less than one hour. The project, estimated to cost approximately 200 million euros, aims to revitalize the route by increasing speeds to 120 km/h where possible and renovating stations.

State Secretary Žarko Tušek stated that design work for the first section is expected to begin this autumn, with a five-year implementation plan. The full connection between Varaždin and Zabok could be completed within seven to eight years. The initiative seeks to reverse the trend of commuters switching from trains to cars due to current delays and long travel times.

Currently, passengers face significant challenges, including inconsistent schedules and long journeys exceeding two hours. Commuters have reported difficulties with the reliability of HŽ schedules and the lack of real-time updates regarding construction-related delays, which has contributed to the decline in rail usage in the region.