New trains connecting Zagreb and Split

On 23 July 2024, a purchase agreement was signed for 6 electro-diesel trains intended to connect Split and Zagreb. The value of the project, financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), amounts to EUR 57.3 million. A loan with the EIB for the project Revitalization of the Railway System of the Republic of Croatia was agreed on in February 2024, and it will finance the procurement of trains, the construction of the Technical and Logistics Centre in Zagreb and the renovation and construction of local and regional railway tracks, stations and stops.

The agreement was signed by the President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz, Željko Ukić, and the President of the Management Board of KONČAR Electric Vehicles, Josip Ninić. The signing of the agreement was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property Branko Bačić, Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina, Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban and President of the Management Board of KONČAR Electrical Industry Gordan Kolak.

These trains will improve the connection between Split and Zagreb and enable more daily departures, which will ensure better local and regional connections and improve the mobility of citizens.

- The new trains will replace the tilting trains that have been running between Split and Zagreb since 2004. In two years, the first train will be on the tracks, and after that, one more will be put into service each month, so by the end of 2026, the rolling stock between these two cities will have been completely renewed. The procurement of these 6 trains will enable more daily departures between Split and Zagreb. High-quality rail connections have a great potential to increase the number of passengers. And it is the most environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation, at that. The new trains will provide better connectivity, and we are extremely pleased to raise the quality of our service to a new level. – said the President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz, Željko Ukić.

Zagreb and Split are connected by 429 kilometres of railroad tracks, electrified from Zagreb to Oštari, and non-electrified from Oštari to Split, so both the electric and diesel drive will be used on this line, with high power traction engines to meet the conditions of a demanding mountain railway. Trains will reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h, and it will also be possible to functionally connect multiple trains, which will provide more capacity.

- With the delivery of these new vehicles, KONČAR continues the trend of developing products and solutions that reduce harmful effects on the climate and offer long-term product sustainability and future-oriented digitalization. By continuously improving mobility technologies, we are contributing to one of the most important goals of the European Union - the establishment of green and sustainable transportation. Our trains are among the top high-tech products of the Croatian industry, and what should be especially underlined is that a number of Croatian companies, including those from Dalmatia, participate in their creation. In the upcoming period, as a country, we must continue to provide conditions in which it will be easier and more desirable to invest in development and in which the national economy will be able to provide the necessary references as a prerequisite for more significant exports beyond Croatia. – said President of the Management Board of KONČAR Electrical Industries, Gordan Kolak.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister Oleg Butkovic pointed out that, in addition to the procurement of new trains, major investments were underway in the modernization of railway infrastructure. EU funds finance projects for the reconstruction and construction of railways on the main corridor lines, and funds from a European Investment Bank loan will be used for the reconstruction of local and regional railways.

- Today, there are 61 new trains in operation, and in just the past few years, 33 new trains have been purchased and put into service. By the end of next year, we will have a total of 70 new trains, or more than half of the entire rolling stock. Also, since important changes have occurred in the traffic map, which is especially true for the area of Dalmatia, which was for the first time included in the network of European transport corridors, we have an opportunity to co-finance the modernization of the railway lines in Lika through EU funds. Work is already being done on the installation of signalling devices and remote controls on the section between Oštarije to Knin, and funds will be provided by the NRRP to continue installation work between Knin and Split, which will enable faster travel on this line. – said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković.

Considering that Split is the second largest city in the Republic of Croatia and an important tourist hub connecting numerous locations on the coast and islands, a quality railway connection between Split and Zagreb has great potential to increase the number of passengers transported. The procurement of these trains raises the level of energy efficiency of the transport system and contributes to the reduction of noise and greenhouse gas emissions.

- Today's contract between HŽPP and KONČAR really pleases me because it represents a leap forward for the railway and railway transport on the route Zagreb – Split with 6 new trains. However, now it is really necessary, as the minister himself said, to revitalize the infrastructure in order for these trains to run on adequate railroad tracks from Zagreb to Split. We hope to have all of this up and running by 2027. - said the Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, Blaženko Boban.

This project continues the modernization of the HŽ Putnički prijevoz rolling stock, which will ensure a more efficient and competitive passenger rail transport, which will also contribute to the sustainability of the transport system in the Republic of Croatia.

Technical characteristics of the electro-diesel trains  

The electro-diesel trains will be low-floor train sets, with three doors on each side of the train, the trains will be equipped with wheelchair access ramps, bicycle space and toilets, one of which will be adapted to be wheelchair-accessible. The entire passenger area will be under video surveillance. Video displays will be installed in the passenger area. In addition to visual and audio announcements of station and stops, passengers on the train will be provided with free internet access (Wi-Fi). Trains will be equipped with a modern passenger information system, electric sockets and self-service food and beverage machines.

Train capacity: 150 seats (12 in 1st class, 138 in 2nd class)