Croatia is set to modernize one of its key railway routes with a major upgrade between Dugo Selo and Novska, a project that will add a second track and improve train speeds and safety. The €620 million investment, co-funded by the European Union, marks the largest railway infrastructure project in Croatian history.

What Will Change?

The 83-kilometer (52-mile) railway line will undergo a full reconstruction and expansion, allowing trains to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph). This will make travel faster, safer, and more efficient, benefiting both local commuters and international transport routes, reports Jutarnji List. 

Station and Stop Upgrades

The project includes major renovations for several key railway stations, including Dugo Selo, Ivanić-Grad, Popovača, Kutina, and Novska. Smaller stations like Deanovec, Moslavačka Gračenica, Lipovljani, Novoselec, and Ludina will be converted into simpler stops or dispatch points.

Additionally, several smaller train stops will be modernized, and a brand-new stop in Okešinec will be built. Meanwhile, the Prečec railway station will be permanently closed.

Better Road-Rail Safety

To reduce traffic delays and increase safety, most railway crossings along the route will either be upgraded or removed. However, key road-rail crossings in Ostrna, Križ, Lipovica, and Voloder will remain.

A Step Towards a Modern European Rail Network

The project also includes new traffic control and signaling systems and modernized electrical infrastructure, bringing Croatian railways in line with European transport standards.

The deadline for construction bids is April 8, 2025, and work is expected to be completed within five years. Once finished, the upgraded line will improve Croatia’s railway connectivity with the rest of Europe, making train travel faster and more reliable for both passengers and freight transport.