Picture yourself gliding smoothly across scenic landscapes, with the rhythmic click-clack of a train moving you away to your next adventure. Railways hold the promise of comfortable, sustainable travel, and Croatia is on the edge of a transformative journey to enhance its railway system. Recently, a high-profile conference held in Zagreb, under the name “Connected Croatia: Railway Modernization – New Tracks of Development”—brought together key stakeholders from the field of transportation, infrastructure, industry, academia, and public administration to discuss the future of Croatian railways. Their mission? To strategize on driving the nation’s rail system into a modern era.
Unlocking Potential with Strategic Planning
State Secretary from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure,https://mmpi.gov.hr/vijesti-8/povezana-hrvatska-odrzana-konferencija-o-modernizaciji-hrvatskih-zeljeznica/25286 ,Žarko Tušek, underlined the government’s commitment to this cause. Tušek passionately detailed Croatia’s strategic plans for modernizing the railway infrastructure. Historically untapped, railways are now a focal point of investment and development efforts, with far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy and international connectivity. Croatia is gearing up for major infrastructure projects unlike any seen before in the region, both in scale and ambition.
Central to these efforts is a robust financial backing graced by a mix of European funds, national initiatives, and a loan from the European Investment Bank. Together, these investments aim to inject over 1.7 billion euros into current projects, with an additional 6 billion earmarked for the future, all set to transform the Croatian railway landscape by 2032.
Massive Investments: On Track for Change
Imagine a future where sleek trains zip effortlessly across lush countrysides, linking major cities and regional hubs with the efficiency and grace similar to Western Europe. Croatia is aiming for just that. The Mediterranean Corridor towards the Hungarian border is expected to be operational by late 2025. Projects such as the New Croatian Leskovac-Karlovac and the Dugo Selo-Novska sections are set to elevate connectivity standards. These projects, often complex and technically demanding, mark a giant leap toward seamless travel.
Participation from local industries and public sector partnerships is crucial, as noted during the event. A notable development in this journey is the collaboration with renowned manufacturer Končar, poised to deliver an impressive fleet of 13 new trains, enhancing the comfort and quality of travel.
Embracing the Rails: A Sustainable Future
In a refreshing shift from car-centric approaches, there’s a renewed focus on developing an eco-friendly and sustainable transport network. With climate change and ecological preservation at the forefront, railways emerge as viable solutions. Dražen Klarić, Editor-in-Chief of Večernji list, emphasizes the importance of pivoting national focus towards rail, not only to boost tourism but to secure a sustainable future for the economy. The vision goes beyond just trains—it’s about integrating railways with other transport modes, like buses and access roads, forming a cohesive and comprehensive mobility network.
The narrative is not just about infrastructure; it revolves around community benefits and lifting the standard of travel for citizens and tourists alike. Navigating through adversity, especially with development challenges like temporary track closures, becomes a shared journey of resilience and adaptation for everyone involved.
The Next Decade: Building the Backbone of Transport
Ivan Kršić, the President of the Management Board of HŽ Infrastructure https://www.hzinfra.hr/, paints an ambitious picture for the next ten years. With a staggering plan to revamp and reconstruct about a thousand kilometers of railway tracks, nearly half of Croatia’s network, the responsibility weighs heavily on strategic execution. Past constraints, such as the aftermath of wartime and financial limitations, sidelined railway advancements. Yet, the tide has turned, marking the railway’s long-awaited emergence into the limelight.
Parallel upgrades in rolling stock complement these track improvements. By the year’s end, HŽ Passenger Transport will boast 70 new trains, marking a significant milestone in fleet modernization. Željko Ukić, President of HŽ Passenger Transport, further elaborates on the exciting horizon, where the fleet expands with battery-operated and electro-diesel trains, bridging distances efficiently and sustainably, particularly in regions like Istria and Dalmatia.
Croatia’s railway renaissance isn’t merely about new steel tracks and cutting-edge trains—it’s about catalyzing a broader transformation. It stands as a testament to progressive visions that blend innovation with tradition, crafting a connected future that honors both the journey and the destination. As the discussions echo through the corridors of this monumental conference, one can’t help but feel the palpable excitement for a revitalized transportation tapestry ready to weave new stories and adventure tracks across Croatia.
Source and inspiration for this blog: Večernji list https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/novi-zamah-na-tracnicama-zeljeznice-kao-okosnica-gospodarskog-razvoja-1866872