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Croatia railway infrastructure and modernization efforts

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2026-09-14 06:33 UTC → 2026-09-28 06:51 UTC · added removed

Croatia railway infrastructure and punctuality issues modernization efforts

Croatia is facing significant challenges regarding its railway infrastructure and service reliability. A report by the Independent Regulators’ Group – Rail (IRG-Rail) indicates that Croatia recorded the lowest punctuality for both passenger and freight trains among 31 surveyed European countries in 2024, with only 68 percent of trains arriving within the permitted time threshold. In comparison, Latvia reported the highest passenger train punctuality at 97.8 percent. HŽ Putnički prijevoz attributed these delays to infrastructure conditions, track maintenance, vehicle breakdowns, and extraordinary events. The reliance on replacement bus services during maintenance has further impacted schedules, as road travel often takes longer than rail travel. In response to To address these issues and the trend of commuters switching from trains to cars, a major systemic issues, Croatia has significantly expanded its modernization ambitions. While a 200 million euro project was previously planned for the Zagorska railway line has been planned. The line, the country now plans to invest approximately 200 million euro six billion euros in the renovation and modernization of its entire railway network by 2035. Led by HŽ Infrastruktura and the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, this initiative aims to reduce travel times between Budinšćina increase speeds and Zagreb track capacity. Upon completion, the modernization is expected to less than one hour by increasing enable passenger train speeds of up to 160 km/h on international lines, 120 km/h on regional lines, and renovating stations. Implementation is expected to follow a five-year plan, with 80 km/h on local lines. Key projects include reconstructing existing tracks and constructing second tracks on major corridors, such as the full connection between Varaždin Križevci - Koprivnica - state border and Zabok potentially completed within seven to eight years. Dugo Selo - Križevci sections. Officials note that investment levels in 2025 are nearly five times higher than in 2017.

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  1. 2026-09-28 06:51 UTC Croatia railway infrastructure and modernization efforts
  2. 2026-09-14 06:33 UTC Croatia railway infrastructure and punctuality issues

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