Croatia Rail Upgrade: EIB, HŽ & Cengiz Shaping Sustainable Transport

Introduction

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is considering a EUR 92 million loan for the 42.6 km Križevci – Koprivnica rail section upgrade in Croatia, a project valued at EUR 469 million. The work is being carried out by HŽ Infrastruktura and is part of the larger Rijeka – Zagreb – Budapest route along the Mediterranean TEN-T Corridor.

Project Scope and Infrastructure Upgrades

The project involves modernizing the existing track and constructing a second line from Križevci through Koprivnica to the Hungarian border. The double-tracked alignment will largely follow the current route, except for a realignment between Carevdar and Lepavina. The modernization program includes new platforms, overpasses, underpasses, and parking facilities for cars and bicycles. The overall route length from Križevci to the Hungarian border via Koprivnica will be reduced from 43.2 km to 42.6 km. The investment also covers upgrades to two stations and four stops, the construction of a new station and the new Peteranec stop, and the conversion of Mučna Reka station into a stop. Furthermore, seven bridges, three viaducts, eight road overpasses, and a new traction power facility will be built, along with a complete renewal of the signaling and telecommunications systems.

Funding and Contract Details

In October 2016, HŽ Infrastruktura signed a CEF funding agreement with INEA (now CINEA) for EUR 283.9 million. Of this, EUR 241.3 million, equivalent to 85 percent, is provided through the Connecting Europe Facility, with the remainder financed by Croatia’s state budget. A construction contract worth EUR 320.9 million was awarded in March 2020 to Cengiz Insaat Sanayi ve Ticaret AS. Supervision services are being delivered under a EUR 5.3 million contract by a consortium comprising Centar za organizaciju građenja d.o.o. and DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH.

Operational Enhancements and Capacity

Once completed, the line will be capable of handling trains at up to 160 km/h; however, speeds will be limited to 150 km/h near Lepavina and 100 km/h on the approach to Koprivnica due to local urban constraints. The Križevci – Koprivnica rail section is a key part of the international M201 DG – Botovo – Dugo Selo corridor (RH2). The EIB contribution is part of the “Railway Development Framework Loan Croatia”, approved in 2024, which totals EUR 900 million for eligible works worth EUR 2.6 billion. The framework aims to accelerate improvements to Croatia’s rail network, introduce emission-free rolling stock, deploy a nationwide rail communications system, and revive neglected lines.

Strategic Impact and Economic Benefits

The upgrading of the Križevci – Koprivnica rail section is anticipated to reduce travel times, lower operating costs, and enhance the reliability of both passenger and freight services. The project will boost north–south connectivity between key Croatian cities and Central Europe, strengthening the railway’s role as a sustainable alternative to road transport. The investment also aligns with Croatia’s long-term climate goals by encouraging a shift to lower-emission transport. Improved access to border crossings with Hungary will help streamline international freight flows, making the corridor a more competitive route. The upgrade is expected to stimulate economic activity in the region by strengthening local industries and attracting further private investment.

Conclusion

The Križevci – Koprivnica rail section upgrade, supported by EIB funding and CEF, aims to modernize and enhance the railway infrastructure. This includes track improvements, new stations, and upgrades to signaling systems. The project is expected to improve travel times, reduce costs, and enhance both passenger and freight services.

Company Summary

European Investment Bank (EIB): The European Investment Bank is considering a EUR 92 million loan to support upgrades on the Križevci – Koprivnica rail section in Croatia.

HŽ Infrastruktura: Croatia’s state rail infrastructure company, delivering the works for the Križevci – Koprivnica rail section upgrade.

Cengiz Insaat Sanayi ve Ticaret AS: Awarded a construction contract worth EUR 320.9 million for the project.

Centar za organizaciju građenja d.o.o.: Part of the consortium providing supervision services under a EUR 5.3 million contract.

DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH: Part of the consortium providing supervision services under a EUR 5.3 million contract.

INEA (now CINEA): Signed a CEF funding agreement worth EUR 283.9 million for the project.